The 49ers have added a veteran defensive back. The team announced that they’ve signed cornerback Ken Crawley to a one-year deal. To make room on the roster, the 49ers waived/injured safety Leon O’Neal Jr.
Crawley has managed to stick around the NFL for six years despite going undrafted in 2016. He got into 38 games (23 starts) for the Saints between 2016 and 2018, including a 2017 campaign where he compiled 54 tackles and 17 passes defended. He was waived by New Orleans during the 2019 campaign, and after fishing the season with the Dolphins, he had offseason/preseason stints with the Raiders and Cardinals.
He ended up re-signing with the Saints for the 2020 season, and he saw time in 12 games over the past two campaigns in New Orleans. He had a minor role on both defense and special teams this past year.
Charvarius Ward is expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks, and Emmanuel Moseley is currently dealing with his own injury. Crawley is likely being added for some extra depth, but he could earn a roster spot with a strong training camp and preseason.
O’Neal Jr. suffered a strained groin that ultimately cost him his job. The Texas A&M product joined the 49ers this offseason as an undrafted free agent, and he could end up landing on the team’s IR if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
More must-reads: