The San Francisco 49ers brought in many new faces during the offseason in hopes of bouncing back from a 2024 campaign that fell short of expectations set by those inside and outside the football building.
In addition to the 11 selections the franchise made during the 2025 NFL Draft, John Lynch and company identified several veterans that San Francisco went out and signed to upgrade the talent across the roster.
While it is too soon to tell just which additions are going to look like steals at the end of the 2025 season, one veteran addition is already proving that he was a bargain signing when considering what he could provide the defense once the regular season kicks off in September.
New 49ers Addition Siran Neal Looks Underpaid Before Playing a Snap
One of the lesser heralded signings the Niners made on the defensive side of the ball this offseason was bringing former Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins cornerback Siran Neal to San Francisco on a two-year, $4 million contract.
Neal has never been a regular starter at the NFL level, but he has plenty of experience under his belt. In 114 career games, the defensive back has 126 total tackles, one interception, seven pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
While his ability to contribute on special teams made him an attractive option to the Niners' front office, the way Neal has performed throughout the offseason program has put him in a position to be in the running for the starting spot at the nickel cornerback position.
Neal would have to beat out 2025 third-round pick Upton Stout at the nickel cornerback spot if he wants to be among the starting 11 for the Niners. Investing a draft pick in the top 100 selections on a player typically means they are expected to be in line for a starting spot sooner rather than later.
That may ultimately be the case for Stout, but it seems safe to say that Neal is going to make the rookie work as hard as he ever has to earn that opportunity.