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It didn’t take long for the 49ers to conclude the bulk of their free agency business. Within the span of a week, they’d agreed to deals to re-sign Trent Williams, Kyle Juszczyk, Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley and D.J. Jones.
Thanks to some cap creativity with restructures of Weston Richburg (reported to be retiring) and Dee Ford, the 49ers also dipped their toes into open free agency market, signing speedy, former Rams edge rusher Samson Ebukam and nine-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack.
On the other side, Kendrick Bourne agreed to a deal with the Patriots and Solomon Thomas to a deal with the Raiders.
With Bourne gone, there is a clear need for a slot receiver, and before his departure, the 49ers were already spread thin on special teams and return options. On Thursday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the 49ers are adding some likely cheap depth there, signing former Cardinals receiver Nate Sheffield to a one-year deal.
Former #AZCardinals WR Trent Sherfield is headed to the #49ers on a one-year deal, source says. Sherfield excels on special teams but the Niners like his skill set at receiver and he’ll have a chance to grab a role there, especially with Kendrick Bourne gone.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2021