SANTA CLARA, Calif. — In search of more secondary depth leading up to the season opener, the San Francisco 49ers are bringing on former All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman.
Norman signed a one-year deal with the Niners on Monday, the team announced. To make room for him on the roster, San Francisco released veteran cornerback Donta Johnson.
The 49ers add Norman to a cornerback group that currently has just two rookies - Embry Thomas and DiModor Lenore - behind outside starts Jason Verret and Emmanuel Moseley and Nickel Corner K'Vaughn Williams.
Norman, 33, spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, starting three games and making 12 appearances, including the playoffs. He had 24 tackles, one coercive fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception in nine regular-season games.
Norman teased that he is joining the 49ers via social media over the weekend. On Friday, he tweeted, "Wondering what the temperature is in Cali right now" and tweeted on Sunday, "In the last hours before breaking point. A decision has been made! There's only one thing to do now." .."
The San Francisco Normans will be the fourth NFL team after spending five seasons with the Carolina Panthers and four with the Washington football team before joining the Bills last season. During his time at Carolina, Norman was a first-team All-Pro in 2015 and earned the Pro Bowl that season. He has 15 career interceptions.
The 49ers begin the season against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday.