49ers free agency tracker: Deshaun Watson chatter; ex-Packers’ ace signs; Dee Ford helps cap

Day 2 of the NFL’s open-negotiation window in free agency follows a mixed-bag Monday for the 49ers, who lost Laken Tomlinson and D.J. Jones before adding cornerback Charvarius Ward. Here are the impact of Tuesday’s moves as they unfold:

QUARTERBACK CURIOSITY?

Nothing should come as a surprise anymore when it comes to the 49ers and their quarterbacks, but a Tuesday morning report certainly qualifies. The 49ers were listed among a handful of teams meeting with embattled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to veteran reporter Jordan Schultz.

However, that report is false, a 49ers source told this news organization.

The 49ers appear all-in on shifting 2021 No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance into the starting lineup to succeed Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s still lingering on the trade market.

If not Lance or a shoulder-rehabilitating Garoppolo, the 49ers would figure to bring in Tom Brady for his career’s victory lap, though Brady has stated his comeback will be with the Bucs.

The New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers, the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons also reportedly are meeting with Watson, who was not indicted by a Houston grand jury Friday relating to sexual-misconduct accusations that kept him from playing last season.

Deshaun Watson is also meeting with the #Niners, per league source. I’m told the #Saints remain the front runners, based on trade assets and their desire to acquire the 26-year-old superstar QB. Decision likely by tomorrow.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 15, 2022

SPECIAL TEAMS HELP

To help fortify the special teams, the 49ers are bringing in former Green Bay Packers linebacker Oren Burks, he announced on Twitter. Deals can become official Wednesday at 1 p.m. when the new league year begins, so there won’t be confirmation on Burks’ nor Ward’s acquisitions (or others) until then.

Burks posted a team-high 33 tackles on special teams the past four seasons, and ranked second with 10 last season, plus one in their divisional playoff loss to the 49ers.

Burks (6-foot-3, 233 pounds) also served as a reserve linebacker. He shared a sack (his only sack total in four years) in the Packers’ win that spoiled the 49ers’ 2021 home opener.

From one bay to the next! Excited for this next chapter @49ers #NinerGang pic.twitter.com/jQ5XEtt8Ic

— Oren Burks (@BangTimeBurks) March 15, 2022

Earlier this offseason, the 49ers hired a new special teams coordinator in Brian Schneider, who replaces Richard Hightower (Chicago Bears).

DEE FORD DOLLARS

With his career in limbo and retirement a closer reality, Dee Ford’s contract got adjusted yet again, this time creating $4.96 million in salary cap space, ESPN’s Field Yates reported.

That would indicate Ford’s cap figure dropped to $7 million with the addition of voidable years. He’s scheduled to make $2.4 million in salary this year and $16.2 million in 2023, according to NFL Players Association figures.

Ford had three sacks the first six games before his chronic back issue sidelined him the rest of the season. In 2020, he only played in the season opener, and, in 2019, he missed almost all of the final six regular-season games before returning for the playoffs. He’s been paid some $30 million from the five-year, $85 million deal he signed three years ago upon being traded from the Chiefs.

MONDAY RECAP

Monday evening brought confirmation from cornerback Charvarius Ward’s camp that the 49ers are signing him to a three-year, $42 million deal. Ward played the past four seasons with the Chiefs, and he was involved in one of the most infamous plays in 49ers’ Super Bowl history.

Adding a high-end cornerback isn’t a surprise, nor is losing guard Laken Tomlinson (New York Jets) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (Denver Broncos) on three-year deals for up to $40 million and $30 million, respectively.