While much of the league is in a free-agent frenzy, the 49ers have quietly made a few moves to add reliable depth to their roster.
While the future of Jimmy Garoppolo remains uncertain, the club still needs to look ahead and strengthen their squad. That’s exactly what they did on Wednesday, re-signing defenseman Jordan Willis, defenseman Donte Johnson and running back Jeff Wilson.
That #49ers announced the re-signing of DL Jordan Willis to a one-year contract.
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) March 23, 2022
Free agent quarterbacks Rashaan Melvin and Donte Johnson have turned down one-year contracts with their teams, the Panrhers and 49ers, according to their agent. @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2022
DL Jordan Willis
The quarterback will return to the 49ers for a third season after making 17 appearances for the club. Willis was a solid rotational player as well as a member of special teams.
The five-year veteran was originally selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and spent time with the New York Jets before being traded to the Photoniners in October 2020.
Willis’ favorite 49ers Faithful game was a blocked punt in the team’s divisional round win over the Green Bay Packers, sending San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game. In 2021, the linesman also made 15 tackles, a career-high 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble in his 10 games.
DB Donte Johnson
The all-around quarterback was selected by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Johnson spent the majority of nine seasons in the Bay Area, spending the 2018 season and part of 2019 with several different rosters.
Johnson was a dependable 49ers minor team player, playing in 100 games, 28 of which were starters. The front office and coaching staff admire his versatility, turning in full-backs, players and defenders as needed.
Johnson will add veteran leadership to the young group, which includes Emmanuel Moseley, Charvarius Ward, Embry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir and Ca’Dar Hollman.
While the team may look forward to the upcoming draft to replace K’Von Williams, who signed with the Denver Broncos, it will most likely be one of the players currently signed with the team to take the nickel.
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
The undrafted free agent will now play his fifth NFL season with the 49ers. Wilson appeared in 37 games, nine of which were in the starting lineup. The North Texas product physical playstyle is a favorite of George Kittle and Kyle Shanahan.
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Wilson will join Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon and Jamikal Hastie in the runners’ room, but the club will likely add more depth to the draft and/or free agency.
The veteran ball registered 298 carries for 1,265 yards and 13 touchdowns. Wilson also became a reliable target for offensive checkdowns.
As 49ers fans await the fate of their veteran quarterback, the team’s front office continues to move forward, preparing for the 2022 season as best it can.
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