Darrick

Forrest

Forrest spent time on the Bills, Colts and Steelers’ practice squads this season. He was on the Commanders’ roster from 2021-2024, posting career-bests in pass break-ups (five), interceptions (four) and tackles (66) in 2022. The 49ers also signed TE Hayden Rucci to the practice squad, released WR Javon Baker and signed WR Colton Dowell to a reserve/future contract.

Forrest played extensively throughout the preseason, which was a bad sign. He registered four tackles for his efforts. Forrest will likely sign onto a practice squad, if not an active roster elsewhere.

It’s a one-year contract for just $1.337 million. Forrest played in 40 games for the Commanders over the past four seasons, drawing 17 starts. The Bills are intent on adding depth to their secondary this off-season. They re-signed S Damar Hamlin to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

With Owens doubtful, this could be the week Darrick Forrest makes his season debut. Forrest played in only five games in 2023 due to a shoulder injury and has been inactive for the first four weeks of this season.

Forrest (6'0/206) was a three-year starter for a Cincinnati defense that boasted one of the best secondaries in the country over that span. Forrest can operate from both split-field alignments as well as the centerfielder in two-high. He shows impressive vision, impressive 4.43 speed, and decent 6.93-second three-cone agility. Forrest can match up in man at times, though it would be a stretch to say he excels at man coverage. Forrest is a competent tackler, which helps him out regardless of alignment or assignment. Forrest’s all-around nature makes him an immediate contributor as a third safety with the potential to fill in or work up to a starting safety spot in a zone-oriented defense.