The 49ers made a major deal on Monday when they allegedly agreed to a $ 5.5 million one-year contract to bring Jason Verrett back for the 2021 season.
The contract apparently amounts to $ 6.5 million if Verrett is named the Pro Bowl next season. The re-signing of Verrett comes on the heels of a two-year contract with Emmanuel Moseley, giving 49ers stability in their defensive backfield.
In the off-season, the 49ers would retire, Richard Sherman, K’Waun Williams, Jaquiski Tartt and Ahkello Witherspoon would have unlimited free agents, while Moseley would hit the limited free agency. It made the 49ers look for a huge overhaul in the secondary series, but Verrett and Moseley’s return gives them two capable starting corners and now allows them to focus on retaining their two biggest free agents: Nick’back K’Waun Williams and left tackle Trent Williams.
Verrett, 29, started 13 times for the 49ers last season and was Pro Corner Focus’ No. 7 spot in the NFL. He allowed 43 receptions on 63 targets for 382 yards, 141 yards after the catch, once, two interceptions, had an opposite quarterback score of 76.3. He made 60 dives and allowed just 8.9 yards per catch in 803 snaps. He earned 76.1 coverage from PFF and was part of a high-quality NFL starting cornerback.
The big problem with Verrett, of course, is his injury history. Before the previous season, the TCU product had only played 67 snaps in the past three seasons. During his last fully healthy season, Verrett achieved a coverage of 90.9. Although he did not return to the level again in 2020, it is clear that he could be a top corner in the NFL if he can stay healthy. The 49ers want Verrett to prove that 2020 was not a flash in the pan and that he can do it again in 2021.
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Verrett has the size, height and physicality needed in an NFL cornerback, but his football IQ makes him all the more attractive to coach Kyle Shanahan and new defense coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
To bring back Verrett for 2021, the 49ers are making sure they have a no. 1-corner in a division with DeAndre Hopkins, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. In addition, the $ 5.5 million one-year contract is a contract that will not hinder them in 2022 if there is expected to be a tight situation in their country. This allows them to kick the can on a long-term CB1 along the way and gives Verrett another season to prove he can stay healthy and be a true NFL corner in the top tier.
By having Verrett and Moseley, the 49ers can also focus their attention in the 2021 NFL draft on fringe or offensive line, two other important needs.
To get the 49ers to bounce back in 2021 and return to the Super Bowl battle again, they need their defense to rise back to the level of 2019. It was a big part of the equation to have a closing corner, and it got them in Verrett, as long as he could stay healthy, at a reasonable price.
Grade: A
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