Editor's note: Matt Maiocco is in Florida for the NFL owners meetings. Watch SportsNet Central tonight at 8 & 10:30pm for comprehensive coverage.
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The 49ers’ five-year agreement with nose tackle Ian Williams has turned into a one-year deal that satisfies both sides due to his uncertainty to be available for the beginning of the season, a source told CSNBayArea.com on Monday at the NFL owners meetings.
The initial deal was agreed upon for a reported $5 million to $6 million annually just hours before the official opening of the free agent signing period. But after undergoing a team physical, it was determined Williams’ rehab from a surgical procedure on his left leg would require more rehab time.
The new deal is worth up to $6 million, ESPN reported.
Both sides knew it was a possibility that the rehab might take more time, and Williams is excited to return to the 49ers on the new one-year deal, a source said. The original agreement was never signed and submitted to the NFL.
Williams earned the 49ers’ starting job in 2013, but his season came to an early end when he sustained a fractured left lower leg on a block from then-Seattle guard JR Sweezy. Williams returned to action in 2014, but sustained another season-ending leg fracture to the same area.
Williams bounced back last season and played in all 16 regular season games before undergoing a follow-up procedure after the season, the source said.
When Williams could not pass a physical and it was determined he was not going to be cleared for football activity for months, the 49ers and Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, agreed on the new one-year deal, the source said.
