49ers re-sign former first-round pick Darqueze Dennard

Darqueze Dennard is staying in San Francisco. The 49ers reached an agreement to retain the veteran cornerback Friday, announcing a one-year deal.

This doubles as a rebound opportunity for the former first-round pick. The longtime Bengals defender played in just three games last season — with the Giants and 49ers — and has not had a regular role since 2020. His 49ers practice squad landing late last season has secured another opportunity.

The Bengals drafted Dennard 24th overall in 2014, between their Dre Kirkpatrick and William Jackson first-round selections, and the Michigan State product settled in as a slot corner. The Bengals re-signed Dennard after his rookie contract expired in 2019. Despite a knee injury delaying the start to his season, Dennard allowed just a 48.6% completion rate when targeted. But Cincinnati let him walk in 2020. The Falcons used Dennard in eight games that season, but a hamstring injury limited him. Dennard’s 2021 Cardinals agreement led to a preseason IR placement and an injury settlement.

San Francisco lost its longtime slot corner, K’Waun Williams, to Denver this week. Dennard, 30, figures to be in the conversation to fill the void. Though, given his recent injury trouble and off-grid 2021, he will certainly have competition.