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5 Players the 49ers Should Still Target in Free Agency

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi /
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Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) runs back an interception for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated St. Louis 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) runs back an interception for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated St. Louis 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Leon Hall-Cornerback

2015 Statistics

The 49ers have a group of young and inexperienced cornerbacks that they are waiting on to assert themselves. Aside from presumed starter Tramaine Brock, the 49ers have three players that might earn the other cornerback role and a dark horse candidate as well.

Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser, Kenneth Acker and Marcus Cromartie could all make cases for why they deserve to be the starting cornerback opposite of Brock. If we’re being honest, most of them could make the case for why they should start instead of Brock.

The 49ers do not have a lockdown cornerback. That position may not be necessary. When the team was at its best most recently, they had an average defensive backfield but a dominant front-7. Baalke may still believe that cornerback is not a priority for this team. He may be right.

Baalke should, however, invest in a cornerback that can add some veteran leadership to a largely unproven group. From the above list, which has been altered after some recent signings, Hall provides the most immediate benefit for a low-cost. The 49ers should consider bringing Hall in, especially if a division opponent is taking a look as well.

Hall may battle to be one of the top corners on the team for another year or two while he teaches the younger guys the nuances of competing in the NFL.

Hall has earned positive grades in coverage from Pro Football Focus every year as a pro and would add some top-end depth to a position that looked unsettled and flexible in 2015.

The 49ers should consider offering Hall a contract somewhere near $7 million a year with incentives for playing time. With a short contract, the 49ers could make use of Hall’s leadership on and off the field.

Next: Pass Rush Help