The San Francisco 49ers are set to make a move at cornerback, and it's one that everyone can get behind, at least from a sentimental standpoint.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that the Niners intend to sign Jason Verrett to the practice squad. The former first-round pick worked out with the Niners this week after being released from the Houston Texans practice squad.

A 2014 first-round pick of the Chargers who made the Pro Bowl in his second season but has seen his career derailed by a series of devastating injuries, Verrett was on the 49ers’ roster last season but has not played since 2021.

He enjoyed an excellent season with the 49ers in 2020. His 13 games played were the most since his Pro Bowl year and saw him finish 17th among cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps in passer rating allowed (76.3). He ranked 15th by Pro Football Focus coverage grade and posted seven pass breakups and two interceptions.

He opened the 2021 season as a starter, only to suffer a torn ACL in Week 1. Verrett re-signed with the Niners for 2022 but sustained a torn Achilles before playing a game following his activation from the PUP list.

The 49ers had previously worked out Verrett prior to his signing with the Texans.

His addition at the very least gives the 49ers veteran depth and a player who has previously produced strong play at a position where their options beyond starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir are far from convincing.

Slot corner Isaiah Oliver was essentially benched for the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Ambry Thomas impressing playing on the outside when Lenoir kicked inside on nickel downs.

San Francisco recently promoted Shemar Jean-Charles to the active roster from the practice squad. The 49ers also designated corners Samuel Womack III and Darrell Luter Jr. to return from injured reserve and PUP respectively, though it remains to be seen if either will be activated to the 53-man roster before their 21-day practice window ends.

Despite his infamous injury history, having Verrett on the practice squad is a low-risk move that could pay dividends even if he never gets on the field. 

Verrett can be an excellent veteran mentor to the team’s young defensive backs, and the opportunity to be on a team expected to go deep into the playoffs once again is one he has undoubtedly earned.

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