[DC 86]

Niners have ridden the Witherspoon pony before. The Josh Norman lesson should keep them off Gilmore.

If you believe PFF's grades then the top free agent cornerbacks are J.C. Jackson, D.J. Reed, Stephon Gilmore, Mike Hughes and Casey Hayward.

However, Jackson is very likely to be franchise tagged or extended (by NE), Reed is unlikely to return to SF and Gilmore is 31 and a major inquiry risk.

Cornerback is a volatile position with a long history of overpaid, free agent busts. The only reason that Hayward is available is excuse he was so awful for the Chargers two years ago that the Raiders only offered him a one year deal last year. Will he continue his good form or revert to 2020 form? he's 32 years old.

Carlton Davis is a young, attractive option but like Jackson he is very likely to be tagged or extended (by TB). Teams prioritize this position and lock up consistent players coming off their first contracts. Charvarious Ward is very good fit for SF's defense but will have many suitors.

The 49ers will need to get lucky in free agency and/or the draft to improve at this position but it's not going to be easy, any corners (especially outside corners) that teams allow to reach unrestricted free agency are going to have age, injury or performance question marks.

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There are quite a few top WRs, if we plan to go that route.  Davonte Adams, who is likely gone given that the Packers will be $40 mms. over the cap at the start of next season.  Chris Godwin might be a bargain...torn ACL late in 2021, but was headed for a $20 mms. deal.  Maybe had for cheap.  He's just 25, averaged 83 receptions for 1,100 yards over past three seasons.  After that a dropoff to Allen Robinson of the Bears.

Adams: Palo Alto High School man, going to get paid $25 million+ per year, maybe even $30 million/year in the unlikely event he isn't franchise tagged, seems as if SF should spend that sort of money elsewhere.

Godwin (despite injury) and Robinson won't be cheap either.

[DC 86]

Niners have ridden the Witherspoon pony before. The Josh Norman lesson should keep them off Gilmore.

If you believe PFF's grades then the top free agent cornerbacks are J.C. Jackson, D.J. Reed, Stephon Gilmore, Mike Hughes and Casey Hayward.

However, Jackson is very likely to be franchise tagged or extended (by NE), Reed is unlikely to return to SF and Gilmore is 31 and a major inquiry risk.

Cornerback is a volatile position with a long history of overpaid, free agent busts. The only reason that Hayward is available is excuse he was so awful for the Chargers two years ago that the Raiders only offered him a one year deal last year. Will he continue his good form or revert to 2020 form? he's 32 years old.

Carlton Davis is a young, attractive option but like Jackson he is very likely to be tagged or extended (by TB). Teams prioritize this position and lock up consistent players coming off their first contracts. Charvarious Ward is very good fit for SF's defense but will have many suitors.

The 49ers will need to get lucky in free agency and/or the draft to improve at this position but it's not going to be easy, any corners (especially outside corners) that teams allow to reach unrestricted free agency are going to have age, injury or performance question marks.

---

There are quite a few top WRs, if we plan to go that route.  Davonte Adams, who is likely gone given that the Packers will be $40 mms. over the cap at the start of next season.  Chris Godwin might be a bargain...torn ACL late in 2021, but was headed for a $20 mms. deal.  Maybe had for cheap.  He's just 25, averaged 83 receptions for 1,100 yards over past three seasons.  After that a dropoff to Allen Robinson of the Bears.

Adams: Palo Alto High School man, going to get paid $25 million+ per year, maybe even $30 million/year in the unlikely event he isn't franchise tagged, seems as if SF should spend that sort of money elsewhere.

Godwin (despite injury) and Robinson won't be cheap either.