The San Francisco 49ers will finally be adding veteran cornerback Jason Verrett this week, making him the 49ers’ second major signing of the NFL off-season.
Verrett, 29, has been recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in May of last year, and has at last been cleared to join the team in the coming days. The signing adds to the growing number of veteran players that the 49ers are adding this off-season.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Verrett was a first-round pick for the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and has earned the reputation of being one of the most respected cornerbacks in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015, and has been an important role-player for the Chargers in his five seasons with them, starting in 56 games, recording nine interceptions and two touchdowns.
Despite the accolades, durability has been an issue for Verrett. A knee injury cut his 2016 campaign short, and he played only five games in 2017 after suffering a torn labrum. Last year, he was placed on the Injured Reserve after tearing his Achilles in May. Still, the potential he showed in prior seasons has been enough to make him one of the most sought-after cornerbacks on the free agent market.
Verrett has now passed a physical with the 49ers, and he is eager to join a defense that returns superstars like Richard Sherman and Jaquiski Tartt. The team will also add former Super Bowl MVP Nick Bosa to its ranks later in the off-season, and has revamped its offensive line with the recent acquisition of former Buccaneers center Weston Richburg.
Verrett’s arrival in the Bay Area could signal the start of a new era of success for the 49ers. In addition to the addition of Verrett, the team also recently signed linebacker Korey Toomer in an effort to improve their linebacking core. The presence of these veterans on defense is key in providing the 49ers with the necessary experience and talent to compete in the toughest division in the NFL.
Despite the injury concerns, it looks like the 49ers are now all set to add Verrett. The signing is a major move for the team and should provide the extra spark they need to compete for the division title this season. The 49ers seem to be ready to put the disappointing 2018 season behind and focus on their new-look team, with Verrett joining the roster as the revered veteran cornerback who can mentor the younger players and push the team to its best performance.
With the signing of Verrett and the other veteran players on the list, the Bay Area is looking forward to a 49ers team that is ready to take on the challenge the NFC West presents, and perhaps even make some noise on the national stage. The 49ers have certainly made a statement with their latest signing, and the superb talent that is joining the team should give the fans in San Francisco serious optimism about the team’s chances this season.
