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5 Available Free Agents Capable of Helping the 49ers

By Akash Anavarathan

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: CB Morris Claiborne

The 49ers may have signed CB K’Waun Williams, but their secondary can still use a star to cover opposing receivers.

CB Tramaine Brock has been solid with the 49ers, but his play has been regressing and they could be looking to replace him.

More from SF 49ers Free Agency

John Lynch and Co. shouldn’t look any further than CB Morris Claiborne. The 5th year starter out of LSU has significantly improved his play every year.

This past year with the Dallas Cowboys, Claiborne had 26 tackles, five passes broken up and one interception. 49ers fans should remember the interception as it took place here in Levi’s Stadium, when Claiborne picked off QB Blaine Gabbert.

Don’t let the numbers scare you away though, according to Pro Football Focus, Claiborne was the ninth-ranked cornerback this past season. He posted an 84.9 overall grade, allowing just a passer rating of 641.

When the ball was thrown Claiborne’s way, he only allowed 54.2 percent of passes to be caught. Even when he allows catches, they only average 8.2 yards.

Injuries are a concern though, as he only played in 18 games out of a possible 32 these past two seasons.

The free-agent market hasn’t yet developed for Claiborne, with the Ravens being the only suitor for his services. The 49ers should be able to pay what the ex-Cowboys’ corner is looking for and he’ll be worth every penny.

Next: NFL.com’s Charley Casserly Has Blockbuster Niners Trade in NFL Draft Mock

Four out of the five free agents that are listed here are on the defensive side of the ball. With Shanahan and Lynch at the helm, San Francisco has primarily added offensive depth, but they should shore up the defense too.

With these free-agent signings, the 49ers can help Robert Saleh in his first year as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.