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NFL Free Agency: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Josh Norman

Statistics

Adding yet another cornerback to the 49ers secondary may not exactly be atop San Francisco’s wish list in 2016. But it’s not as far fetched as one may think.

Cornerback Tramaine Brock holds the No. 1 spot. But no one out of the crop consisting of CBs Kenneth Acker, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser or Marcus Cromartie has truly seized that No. 2 position alongside Brock.

It’s been some time since the Niners have had a shutdown corner. But, should they open up the pocketbooks, Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Norman would be a solid addition.

The 2015 All-Pro posted four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns last year. He also had 18 passes defended and graded out with a plus-18.7 pass-coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

And for what it’s worth:

Norman won’t come cheap. He made only $1.592 million in 2015, but that number will see a tremendous spike after the season he put together with Carolina’s Super Bowl-bound defense.

Regardless, Norman would be an immediate upgrade to a young and developing secondary lacking a truly elite cornerback. Considering some of the receiving weapons the 49ers will face within their division next year, Norman would make more than enough sense.

Next: OLB Bruce Irvin