Niner Noise
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10 Available Free Agents Who Could Still Help the San Francisco 49ers in 2016

By Peter Panacy

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Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie (31) runs to the end zone after intercepting a pass from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie (31) runs to the end zone after intercepting a pass from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: Cornerback Antonio Cromartie

The 49ers added three cornerbacks via the 2016 NFL Draft — Will Redmond, Rashard Robinson and Price Charles Iworah. And these players join an already deep cast of corners on the Niners roster.

So San Francisco is deep at this position. But, aside from veteran defensive back Tramaine Brock, the 49ers are widely unproven. Who steps up alongside Brock this season? Will it be Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker or Keith Reaser? Maybe one of the rookie corners might do so, but first-year defensive backs tend to struggle in their introductory seasons.

Let’s consider free-agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie. At 32 years old, Cromartie isn’t a long-term option and might be best to line up at safety in the very near future.

But in the right scheme, and with help over the top, Cromartie still has something to offer in what is otherwise an untested group.

Keep in mind, Cromartie is a four-time Pro Bowler. And that experience will go a long way in helping the 49ers secondary develop.

Why He Could Help

The 49ers’ best up-and-coming cornerback has been defensive back and nickel corner Jimmie Ward. Ward may still occupy the slot in 2016, which keeps the door open on the outside.

Cromartie, if signed, might be another corner in the mold of Nnamdi Asomugha — a veteran player whom the Niners signed but didn’t exactly pan out. Yet the former New York Jet might also be a good scheme fit  under defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil.

Next: Offensive Guard Jahri Evans