The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have re-signed NT Ian Williams to a one-year deal.“Through his dedication and hard work, Ian has grown into an excellent player on the field, a leader in our locker room and a positive influence in our community,” said 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. “He is a true professional, who has battled through a number of obstacles to this point in his career, and his perseverance is a tremendous example for everyone in our organization. We are very excited Ian has chosen to continue his career with the 49ers.”Williams (6-1, 305) originally signed with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent in July of 2011, and went on to make the 53-man roster that year. During his five-year career, he has appeared in 31 games (26 starts) and registered 137 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.After being voted a team captain by his teammates last season, Williams went on to start each of the 49ers 16 games in 2015, finishing with a career-high 85 tackles, 1.0 sack and the first forced fumble and fumble recovery of his career. The year prior he started in eight of the first nine games of the season and registered 41 tackles and one sack, prior to being placed on the Injured Reserve List with a fibula injury.Williams was named the team’s 2015 winner of the Perry/Yonamine Award, presented to the 49ers player who exhibits an exceptional commitment to promoting unity within the team and in their community. The Perry/Yonamine Unity Award is named for the former 49ers players and pioneers of unity and diversity, Joe “The Jet” Perry and Wally Yonamine, and is voted on by the players.A 26-year-old native of Longwood, FL, Williams played at Notre Dame where he tallied 161 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and 13 tackles for loss in 45 career games for the Fighting Irish.
