The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reports the 49ers are planning to sign safety Tracy Walker after he worked out for them on Wednesday. Walker tore his Achilles in 2022, but returned to play 17 games for the Lions in 2023. Starting in six games last season, he defended two passes, forced one fumble, and recorded one sack. Walker totaled 79 games in six seasons with the Lions, starting 43 of them and defending 23 passes with three interceptions. The veteran now lands with the 49ers, who could use the depth with Talanoa Hufanga recovering from last season’s Week 11 ACL tear.

Walker has spent his entire career with the Lions after being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The 29-year-old has three career interceptions, playing in all 17 games during the 2023 season after suffering an Achilles tear to end his 2022 season. The move creates $5.5 million in cap space for the Lions while making Walker a free agent heading into the offseason.

Walker tore his Achilles in Week 3 and was on field in a limited basis for Detroit's OTAs. Walker's statement did come with the important caveat of "as long as the surgeon signs off on it." Walker's return would help the team use free-agent signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson in more of a hybrid role at nickelback and safety. 

Walker has been setback-free since a Week 3 torn Achilles ended his season. Returning for OTAs may be a longshot but Walker is on track to be ready for Week 1. Signed to a three-year, $25 million deal in March, Walker will count $11.3 million against the 2023 cap.