Going into the 2022 season, the San Francisco 49ers will have have 24 unrestricted free agents going into the new season and 4 of them are Cornerbacks. Jason Verrett (Age 30) signed a 1 year $5.5M contract but was injured week 1 of the season and missed the remainder of the season to an ACL injury. Josh Norman (Age 34) was signed as Verrett’s replacement for 1.5M. Dontae Johnson (Age 30) was brought back to the team for $1.075M and seemed to line up wherever they asked. His versatility could land him back with the 49ers. Nickel Back K’Waun “The Shark” Williams (Age 30) will also be a free agent and may be the most valuable of the three. The 49ers like to play base Nickel and unless they see a surgence from 2nd Year DB Deommodore Lenoir, Williams may be a top priority Free Agent Signing.
Let’s take a look into the NFL at some of the top Free Agent Cornerbacks available that I believe will be great for the 49ers. Keep in mind the 49ers currently have $5.1M in cap space ,but let’s predict that they move on from QB Jimmy Garoppolo and DE Dee Ford freeing up about $30M giving the 49ers $35M to spend.
1. The Best Cornerback in FA is Patriots Corner, J.C. Jackson. He’s 26 years old and finished the 2021 season with 45 Solo Tackles | 8 INT | 98 TGT | 50 REC. He’s a strong Man to Man cornerback. He has receiver like ball skills but his one weakness is zone. If the 49ers are looking to switch more to Man with Ambry Thomas, Jackson will be perfect to line up on your number 1. It could look like Sanders & Davis out there for the 49ers in 2022. According to PFF, he’s projected to get a 4 year deal for 72 Million (18M per year 56M guaranteed.
2. If you can’t afford Jackson or he re-signs in New England, you can settle for another Lock in Man to Man coverage. Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Panthers at the beginning of the 2021 season. He was rented for $13M, but unfortunately it didn’t pan out for the Carolina Panthers. His strength is Man to Man coverage but his speed and age (31) is creeping up. He had 15 Solo Tackles | 2 INT | 22 TGT | 15 REC. According to PFF he’s projected 2 Years, 28M (14M per year, $20M guaranteed)
3. This NFL player had his worst season of his NFL career. It could have been due to scheme more than anything. Denver Broncos Kyle Fuller didn’t look like the same player from the Bears, but I believe he still has some of his best football to be played. In Denver he Recorded 44 Solo Tackles | O INT | 67 TGT | 44 REC. His PFF Grade 47.2 Run DEF 68.6 P. Rush 91.4 COV 40. At the Age of 30, Fuller can benefit from being a part of Demeco Ryan’s system. He’s a playmaker and if signed to 49ers, can get back to his best football. He’s projected to get a 3 Yr deal for $12M with $8.5M guaranteed.
4. The 49ers love savvy vets so why not get the best veteran Cornerback in free agency. Patrick Peterson (Age 31.5) still makes plays in the NFL. In his last season with the Vikings, he finished the season with 39 Solo Tackles | 1 INT | 64 TGT | 37 INT. His PFF Grade 63 Run DEF 66.8 COV 61. He’s Projected 1 YR 6M, 4M Guaranteed. The 49ers have two young Corners on their roster, Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir. This makes Emmanuel Moseley the veteran on the team in the Cornerback room. Will he be able to step up and take on the responsibility as a veteran?
5. This will be probably the most shocking choice at who the 49ers will sign. Kyle Shanahan loves a specific type of player. That type of a player is called the versatile player. There’s not a Cornerback in the league that’s more versatile than this player. He can line up inside, outside and play both safety positions. The most important thing is he comes cheaper than most corners in the long run. Cornerback Dontae Johnson will be a 49er next season and he will be the only Cornerback they re-sign from the 2021 roster. He finished the season with 20 Solo Tackles | 31 TGT| 26 REC According to PFF his overall grade 61.2, Run DEF 66.4, Pass Rush 37.4 & Coverage 63.0. When Dontae Johnson’s number was called, he went out on the football field and gave the faithful some good football to watch.
Again it’s clear the 49ers need to address this position. Some would argue that it’s the most important need heading into 2022. I would argue and say it’s the Pass Rush, but l’ll save that for the next read. Til we meet again, Stay up, Stay Faithful and always keep it “Nitty Gritty”
WayneBreezie
Writer | Nitty Gritty Niners Talk | Nothing But Niners
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JC Jackson would be a great addy to the 49ers. Although I find this need urgent I agree with you on the Pass Rush. Great article Breezie. Very informative and detailed 😎
Thank you Peachy. People underestimate your knowledge that you bring to the table, but I don’t and I appreciate you and always will.
Excellent read, Mr. Breezie, both in content and writing style. Thanks.
Thank you so much. This really means a lot to me and the crew. We just want to continue to put out great content. That’s the optimal goal. Please feel free to share.