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The 49ers added safety depth Tuesday morning, signing J.J. Wilcox to a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Cowboys’ and Steelers’ safety J.J. Wilcox is signing a one-year deal with the SF 49ers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2018
On Monday, the 49ers waived defensive back Trovon Reed, clearing up space for a signing such as Wilcox. He will provide depth and experience to a starting safety duo comprised of Adrian Colbert and Jaquiski Tartt, both of who will enter their first seasons in full-time starting roles. 49ers safeties Chanceller James (knee), Don Jones (knee), and rookie Marcell Harris (Achilles) have been held out of OTAs so far, although they are expected to return by training camp.
Wilcox, 27, spent the first four years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he produced 156 tackles and five interceptions. Prior to the 2017 season, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He failed to win the starting job. About six months later, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he appeared in 12 games last season, producing one start. The Steelers released him in late April.
Wilcox joins 49ers running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida as three of the five Georgia Southern alums currently in the NFL.