It would be understandable for Robert Saleh to bring some familiar troops to New York, and the new Jets head coach has his eye on one of his former secondary pupils.
The former 49ers defensive coordinator appears to be interested in adding K’Waun Williams. The Jets have the veteran slot cornerback on their radar, per SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano (on Twitter).
Williams is also interested in rejoining Saleh, Vacchiano adds, though the Jets are not expected to move toward a deal for a bit. That would be a slight risk, given Williams’ status as one of the game’s top slot corners, but Saleh would seem to have a good read on the veteran’s free agency plans.
Saleh and Williams each spent four seasons in San Francisco, with the 49ers signing the ex-Browns slot stopper in 2017. Williams excelled for much of his Bay Area stay, helping Saleh form one of the NFL’s top defenses over the past two seasons. He will turn 30 this offseason.
The Jets used Brian Poole as their slot corner in both years of the ill-fated Adam Gase–Gregg Williams partnership, re-signing Poole last year. But the veteran is now a free agent. With Saleh coming in, Poole may need to head elsewhere to continue his career. Williams and Poole would not seem to fit as teammates.
The 49ers had nearly their entire cornerback corps due to be free agents but have moved to re-sign both Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett. They are expected to let Richard Sherman walk, and it remains to be seen how they will proceed with Williams.
Articles yesterday were how the Jets were going to be buyers. Today’s posts are NE is buying. Shocking.
That would be a major loss for the 49ers. He’s a solid slot corner who never quite gets the praise he deserves
Is Kwaun an upgrade over Poole?