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NFL Free Agency: Predicting Best Moves for the 49ers in 2017

By Logan Stanley

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (58) chases in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (58) chases in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 19-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end David Johnson (82) during the first quarter in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end David Johnson (82) during the first quarter in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Cornerback Malcolm Butler

PFF Grade: 90.8

Spotrac: 5 years, $55,000,00 million — $11.0 million annually (based on similarly PFF graded players)

Last season the 49ers defense was atrocious, literally ranking at the bottom of the NFL in several key defensive categories: 30.0 points a game (32nd), 406.4 yards a game (32nd) and 165 rushing yards a game (32nd). Injuries to the front seven — most notably linebacker NaVorro Bowman and defensive linemen Erik Armstead and Glenn Dorsey — were most definitely a factor into the worst ranked rushing defense.

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With having drafted defensive linemen in the past two drafts, Bowman and Armstead both returning and a handful of rushers coming into this draft (if SF chooses to go that route), NFL free agency might be a spot where the 49ers look to pluck a defensive back to help bolster their back end.

Having graded out at 90.8, restricted free-agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is the second-ranked defensive back and third overall player available this offseason, per PFF. Butler is no fluke either; the 2015 Super Bowl hero is the lead cornerback on the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense as the Patriots head into Super Bowl LI. It goes without question that Butler would be the best cornerback on the 49ers roster and with his playoff experience, Butler can be provide insight few current 49ers can.

Cap room left: $59,600,000 million