SANTA CLARA, California. – In search of a more secondary depth towards the opening of the season, the San Francisco 49ers incorporate former All-Pro outfielder Josh Norman.
Norman signed a one-year deal with the Niners on Monday, the team announced. To make room for him on the roster, San Francisco released veteran cornerback Dontae Johnson.
The 49ers add Norman to a corner group that currently has only two rookies: Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir, behind outside starters Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley and nickel corner K’Waun Williams.
Norman, 33, spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, starting three games and appearing in 12, including the playoffs. He had 24 attacks, a forced fall, a fall recovery and an interception in nine regular-season games.
Norman teased that he joined the 49ers through social media over the weekend. Friday, he tweeted, “Ask yourself what the temperature is in Cali right now” and followed Sunday by piulant, “In the last hours before the breaking point. A decision has already been made! Now there is only one thing left to do …”
San Francisco will be Norman’s fourth NFL team after spending five seasons with the Carolina Panthers and four with the Washington football team before joining the Bills last season. During his time in Carolina, Norman was a first-team All-Pro in 2015 and earned a pro Bowl gesture that season. It has 15 professional interceptions.
The 49ers open the season Sunday against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.