Adrian Colbert opened last season as the 49ers’ starting safety. The 2017 seventh-round pick had progressed to the point he was viewed as a potential long-term secondary piece. A year later, he is no longer part of the team.
The 49ers placed Colbert on IR on roster cutdown day, ending his season. Friday, they released him from IR via injury settlement, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. Colbert will be free to sign with another team once he heals up from a hamstring injury.
Colbert started six games for the 2018 49ers but saw his season end early when a high ankle sprain intervened in October. The Miami alum made six starts as a rookie. The 49ers re-signed versatile defensive back Jimmie Ward this offseason and will pair him with Jaquiski Tartt. The team also moved 2018 third-rounder Tarvarius Moore from cornerback back to safety, making Colbert’s roster path more difficult.
The 49ers also released wide receiver Nick Williams from IR via injury settlement.