Details from the Marcus Peters trade to the Rams have surfaced. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers were one of three teams to reach out to the Chiefs, and had what was described as “lukewarm” interest.
The 49ers, as we know, have been poking around the cornerback market for a while.
In the middle of the 2017 season two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden was suddenly released by the Browns. Several teams were interested in his services. General manager John Lynch made an appearance on the 49ers’ flagship station KNBR 680 where he mentioned the team would do its due diligence on Haden and any other players that can potentially improve the squad moving forward.
They were also reportedly interested in David Amerson and recently hosted Vontae Davis.
What does that mean for free agents Trumaine Johnson and Malcom Butler? Or someone like Aqib Talib who may be available through trade? Well, it means March 12th can’t come soon enough.
With Ahkello Witherspoon and Greg Mabin being the only returning outside corners, an argument can be made that the biggest need on the 49ers is at cornerback.
The top five names they can add to that group are: Johnson, Butler, Kyle Fuller and Rashaan Melvin in that order. While Johnson checks all the boxes as a scheme fit for Robert Saleh’s defense, a cheaper Melvin or Bashaud Breeland may also be in play. If John Lynch holds true his aggressive approach to free agency, Johnson, the Rams corner who grew up an hour east of Santa Clara, may be the 49ers' top priority this off season.
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