The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday the signing of veteran CB Allen Rossum. Rossum was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 26. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Rossum (5-8, 178) is a 10-year veteran who has seen action in 140 career games with nine starts. Originally a third round (85th pick overall) selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1998 NFL Draft, Rossum has established himself as one of the most productive returners in league history. He enters the upcoming season ranked second in NFL history for career total return yards (13,269) and kickoff return yards (10,520). Rossum also ranks first among active players with 2,749 career punt return yards.
In his career, Rossum has recorded 280 punt returns for 2,749 yards (9.8 avg.) with three touchdowns and 459 kickoff returns for 10,520 yards (22.9 avg.) with four touchdowns.
One of those touchdowns came last year against the 49ers, when he returned Joe Nedney's kickoff 98 yards for a Steelers touchdown.
On defense, Rossum has posted 118 tackles, 10 fumble recoveries, two interceptions, two sacks and 14 passes defensed. In 2004, he earned Pro Bowl recognition after returning 37 punts for 457 yards (12.4 avg.) and 58 kickoffs for 1,250 yards (21.6) as he helped the Atlanta Falcons earn a playoff berth.
Rossum has been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles (1998-99), Green Bay Packers (2000-01), Atlanta Falcons (2002-06) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2007).
