Coming back for at least 1 more season
Cornerback Jason Verrett and the San Francisco 49ers have renewed their annual, short-term-commitment vows.
For the third time in as many years, Verrett agreed to a one-year deal, this one the priciest yet to keep him from leaving in free agency.
Verrett will earn $5.5 million with a chance to add another $1 million if he makes his first Pro Bowl since 2014, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Verrett turned down a multi-year offer in hopes of scoring a bigger payday next year, when the salary cap is expected to balloon as opposed to this year’s pandemic-related reduction.
“Fired up to have (Verrett) back with the squad! Congratulations JV!” general manager John Lynch tweeted.
Verrett re-signed prior to last season for $1 million, and he’s essentially earned $3 million over his two seasons with the 49ers.
Verrett figures to pair with Emmanuel Moseley as the 49ers’ starting cornerback tandem. Moseley resigned last week on a twoyear, $10 million deal as a restricted free agent.
Hitting the market are fellow cornerbacks Richard Sherman, K’Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Dontae Johnson and Jamar Taylor. Williams and the New York Jets have mutual interest, according to SNY reporter Ralph Vacchiano.
Verrett set up his return by virtue of a 2020 comeback. He started 13 games, made two interceptions and flashed the form that made him a 2014 Pro Bowler before leg injuries limited him to five games the next four seasons.
“Every week I put my life on the line to be the best player I can be and be in position to make plays,” Verrett said Jan. 4. “But I always feel I can improve. I think I played overall solid.”
He won the 49ers’ Hazeltine Iron Man and Ed Block Courage awards last season.
“Coming here and seeing how they turned things around for my physically and mentally, it’s hard not to want to come back,” Verret added after the season. “It’s a class organization. They’ve done a hell of a job with me throughout my time last year and throughout this year.”
Monday marked the first day potential free agents could speak with other teams, and deals elsewhere can’t become official until Wednesday.
The 49ers struck a bigger deal Sunday in retaining fullback Kyle Juszczyk (five years, $27 million), and an even bigger contract looms if they can retain left tackle Trent Williams.