The 49ers announced the signing of WR Frank Darby and waived CB Kemon Hall
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of former Arizona State wide receiver and Atlanta Falcons draftee Frank Darby. Darby was Brandon Aiyuk’s teammate from 2018-19. The corresponding move was to waive cornerback Kemon Hall.
Darby is 6’1, 200 pounds. The Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has two career receptions for 29 yards. He fits the mold of an experienced player the 49ers have brought in this offseason, as Darby played in the Senior Bowl ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Some will try to spin the 49ers signing of Aiyuk’s former teammate into something that it isn’t. Aiyuk, Pearsall, and Darby were all on the roster together at Arizona State. Aiyuk continues to hold in, while Ricky Pearsall hopes to return as early as Monday. If anything, this could mean that Pearsall isn’t ready to return at the beginning of the week, and the 49ers need depth.
If Pearsall is able to return, it could be a blessing in disguise as he builds a rapport with Brock Purdy while Kyle Shanahan gets a long look at how to use his first-round pick.
There are no questions about Aiyuk’s abilities or work ethic. The 49ers don’t need to see Aiyuk practice.
Hall is in an uphill battle at cornerback. During Friday’s media session, Charvarius Ward was asked if this is the deepest cornerback room since he’s been in the Bay Area. Reps are hard to come by when the team just drafted a cornerback in the second round and signed two during free agency.