Chasing Depth: 49ers Sign S Patrick McMorris to One Year Deal
· Yahoo Sports
The San Francisco 49ers are wasting no time fine tuning their roster following the 2026 NFL Draft. On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the team officially announced the signing of safety Patrick McMorris to a one year, $1,005,000 contract. McMorris joins the Niners as a versatile depth piece for a secondary that has dealt with its share of injury concerns over the past season.
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A Fresh Start in the Bay
McMorris, a 24 year old native of Santa Ana, California, is no stranger to the West Coast. After a standout collegiate career split between San Diego State (2019–22) and Cal (2023), he was originally selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
While his physical tools and collegiate production (252 tackles and six interceptions) made him an intriguing prospect, he struggled to find a consistent role in Miami's lineup. After appearing in six games for the Dolphins in 2024, McMorris spent the 2025 campaign navigating the practice squads of the New York Giants and the Arizona Cardinals.
What McMorris Brings to Santa Clara
Standing 6 feet exactly and weighing 206 pounds, McMorris provides the 49ers with a "hybrid" style safety who has experience at both free and strong safety positions.
- Special Teams Value: Given the Niners' emphasis on special teams production from their backup defensive backs, McMorris will likely compete for a role on coverage units immediately.
- Tackling Pedigree: During his time at San Diego State, he was known as a high volume tackler and a vocal leader, traits that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch value across the board.
The Post-Draft Roster Churn
The addition of McMorris was part of a "double-Mac" signing day for the 49ers, as the team also inked running back Sincere McCormick to a one year deal.
These moves come on the heels of a busy draft weekend where the 49ers added eight rookies, including fellow safety Jalen Stroman (Notre Dame). The 49ers' secondary is now a blend of veterans and young "dart throws," setting the stage for a highly competitive training camp.
The Safety Competition: McMorris vs. Stroman
McMorris won’t be the only new face in the meeting room. While the 49ers didn't draft a safety, they moved quickly in the undrafted market to sign Jalen Stroman from Notre Dame.
The two newcomers represent two different paths to the roster:
- Jalen Stroman: A 6-foot, 198 pound rookie who appeared in 12 games for the Fighting Irish last season, recording 37 tackles and a pick six.
- Patrick McMorris: A veteran depth piece with NFL game experience and a high-IQ diagnostic style.
As the 49ers head toward training camp, the safety battle will be one of the most watched on the roster. Between Stroman’s youth and McMorris’s versatility, the 49ers are hoping they’ve found the missing pieces that the draft board failed to provide.