The 49ers are wasting no time in targeting a replacement for injured Walt Harris, as the club is scheduled to meet Thursday with veteran free-agent cornerback Dre’ Bly, a league source said.
The 49ers had no immediate comment on their interest in Bly.
Harris is likely to miss the season after sustaining a torn anterior-cruciate ligament in his right knee during organized team activities on Tuesday. The club announced today Harris would require surgery.
Bly, 32, a 10-year NFL veteran, played 2007 and ’08 with the Broncos. The club released him in February during a purge of the defense after the arrivals of new coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
Prior to joining the Broncos in a trade, Bly played four seasons with the Lions. He has been one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league ($6.5 million average salary the past six seasons) after leaving the Rams as a free agent in 2003. Bly entered the league as a second-round pick of the Rams in 1999.
Bly has played every game — and 97 percent of his teams’ defensive snaps — the past three seasons. In his career, he has been selected to two Pro Bowls while recording 40 interceptions and forcing 17 fumbles.
If the 49ers sign Bly, he would be expected to compete against Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer for the starting job opposite Nate Clements.
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