The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for next season and are making the necessary roster adjustments to have another successful season. One of their concerns last year was the second rotation, and the team’s recent moves indicate they are still looking to add depth in that area.
On Thursday, the 49ers signed cornerback Rok Ya-shin to a one-year contract, according to Amiriano Fragoso of Sactown Sports. Ya-shin, a five-year veteran, spent his first three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens. In 66 career games, the defensive back totaled 196 tackles (163 solo, 33 assists), 29 passes defensed, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. During his rookie year, Yashin was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie Team.
Yassin, along with Chase Lucas and Isaac Iadam, will be the newest additions to a supporting cast led by Deomodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward. Especially at the corner position, Ambry Thomas and Isaiah Oliver were arguably the two biggest support players behind Lenoir and Ward. Now, with Oliver removed from the team, Thomas may have to compete for third place with Rok Yashin, some new faces, and the remaining corners.
Last year, the 49ers ranked 14th in the league in pass defense, allowing 3,642 total opponent passing yards and 214.2 opponent passing yards per game (during the regular season).
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but teams competing for championships need to improve their numbers, especially when facing the best passing offenses in the NFL. 49ers free agents
Overall, this offseason’s free agency adjustments largely revolved around defense. The departures of Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw and Chase Young allowed the 49ers to sign defensive end Leonard Floyd to a two-year deal.
Floyd is already a key player on the Los Angeles Rams’ championship team during the 2021-22 season and is expected to start alongside Nick Bosa in September. To further strengthen the outside defensive line, San Francisco also signed former Carolina Panther forward Yetur Gross-Matos.
