SANTA CLARA, Calif. (March 15, 2006) -- The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran cornerback Walt Harris, adding depth to a young secondary.
Harris has played 10 NFL seasons with three teams, spending the last two years with the Washington Redskins after earlier stints in Chicago and Indianapolis. He started 12 games for the Redskins last season despite injuries, but was released Friday when they needed to get under the salary cap.
"I'm definitely ready to come in and help," Harris said. "I've been a young guy before, and I know how I thought as a young guy. I was surrounded by a lot of veteran leadership, and that helped me out a whole lot. I just really want to return the favor."
Harris has 20 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries in his career. He will compete for a starting job opposite Shawntae Spencer with Bruce Thornton, a waiver-wire pickup who took Ahmed Plummer 's job last season.
Plummer was released by the 49ers earlier this month. Harris played with 49ers safety Tony Parrish when both were in Chicago.
