Cornerback K'Waun Williams was in demand, reportedly "in the mix" for the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and possibly the Detroit Lions. He was expected to make a decision on his NFL future today. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported that the decision had likely been made and that Williams was likely returning to the San Francisco 49ers.
#49ers CB K'Waun Williams, who recently visited the #Chiefs, is expected to sign with the #49ers, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2021
Matt Barrows of The Athletic confirmed the news, reporting that the 49ers are re-signing Williams to a one-year deal.
From agent: K'Waun Williams has agreed to return to the #49ers on a 1-year deal.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 24, 2021
The 49ers later confirmed the report.
"As one of our first free agent signings when we came to San Francisco, K'Waun has impressed us in every way since joining our organization," said general manager John Lynch via a statement issued by the team. "Over the past four years, he has demonstrated exceptional toughness and a competitiveness that is felt throughout our building. We couldn't be happier to have The Shark continue his career with the Niners."
The Cleveland Browns signed Williams as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh in 2014. He was among general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan's first signings in 2017 and has proven himself to be one of the best slot corners in the NFL.
Williams, 29, registered 22 tackles, two sacks, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble through eight games with the 49ers in 2020. He has recorded 249 tackles, six sacks, 23 passes defensed, three interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles through his six NFL seasons.
K'Waun Williams is re-signing with the 49ers on a one-year deal, per @RapSheet
Williams: 79.0 PFF Grade since 2019 (9th) pic.twitter.com/AH1bCi1w42
— PFF (@PFF) March 24, 2021
If the Chiefs were heavily pursuing Williams, it would be the second time in the past week that a player ultimately picked the 49ers over them. Offensive tackle Trent Williams was close to signing with Kansas City before getting a last-minute deal done with San Francisco.
Note: Article updated on March 26, 2021, to include the statement from John Lynch once the 49ers officially announced the signing.
