SANTA CLARA (Calif.) -- The San Francisco 49ers have brought in Josh Norman, a former All-Pro cornerback, to add depth to their secondary defense heading into the season opener.
The team announced that Norman signed a one year deal with the Niners Monday. San Francisco released Dontae Johnson, a veteran cornerback to make room for Norman on the roster.
Norman is now part of the 49ers' cornerback group, which currently has only two rookies -- Deommodore Leonoir and Ambry Thomas -- in addition to outside starters Jason Verrett (Emmanuel Moseley) and nickel corner K'Waun William.
Norman, 33, was a Buffalo Bills player last season. He played in 12 games, including the playoffs. He recorded 24 tackles, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery, as well as an interception in nine regular season games.
Norman teased that he would be joining the 49ers via Twitter over the weekend. He tweeted on Friday, "Wondering what's the temperature at Cali right now?" and then followed up Sunday with the tweet, "In the final hours before the breaking point." It was a decision! Only one thing remains ..."
After spending five seasons with Carolina Panthers, four with Washington Football Team and then joining the Bills last year, Norman will join San Francisco as Norman's fourth NFL team. Norman was a first-team All-Pro during his time in Carolina and received a Pro Bowl nod in 2015. He has fifteen career interceptions.
Sunday's opening match between the 49ers and the Detroit Lions is at Ford Field.
