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10 Players the 49ers Should Watch for 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates in the final minute against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates in the final minute against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson

2017 Team: Los Angeles Rams

Two things would happen here if the 49ers landed cornerback Trumaine Johnson in 2018 — they’d weaken an NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams, and add a shutdown-type cornerback.

Perhaps one even better than Kyle Fuller. More durable too.

While Johnson’s interception totals were down last year (one, compared to seven in 2015), he still managed to defend 11 passes and post an 81.7 pass-coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

He would have been a nice upgrade for the Niners this year too, only if the Rams hadn’t slapped him with the franchise tag.

Still, the 27-year-old Northern California native would be a welcomed addition for San Francisco’s secondary.

Especially considering defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme will often require defensive backs to be placed on an island.