Jimmy Williams, a former starting defensive back who was out of football last season, signed Thursday with the 49ers. The Atlanta Falcons released the highly drafted Williams last summer after he fell out of favor with new head coach Mike Smith. The Falcons were unhappy with Williams' weight after he reported to workouts at more than 230 pounds. Later, Commissioner Roger Goodell handed the free agent a five-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. No team wound up signing him last season. The 49ers, however, are hopeful that Williams, a former Virginia Tech standout, can recapture the promise that made him the 37th overall pick in the 2006 draft. Listed now at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Williams has experience at cornerback and safety.