The 49ers announced Tuesday the release of Malcolm Smith, and the addition of wide receiver Nick Williams in a corresponding move.
Williams has a ton of experience in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He spent 2013 in Washington where Shanahan was the offensive coordinator. Then he followed Shanahan to Atlanta for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
His 2017 season was also spent with the Falcons before he moved on to Tennessee and the Los Angeles Rams last season. Matt LaFleur was the offensive coordinator with the Titans, and Sean McVay is the play caller for LA. Both of those coaches came up through Shanahan and run similar offenses to the 49ers’ head coach.
Washington signed Williams as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Connecticut in 2013. He’s played 26 games in five seasons with 30 catches for 280 yards and two touchdowns. His best two years came with Shanahan in Atlanta when he posted 22 catches for 218 yards and both of his touchdowns in 16 games. Williams was in camp with the Broncos earlier in the offseason.
He’s unlikely to have a realistic shot at the roster in a crowded wide receiver room, but his familiarity with the offense should allow him to play snaps Thursday in the preseason finale when most starters and contributors will rest.
Smith’s release was first reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. He played 12 games in two seasons with the 49ers and battled injuries throughout his tenure. He had 35 tackles and three tackles for loss last year.
