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NFL free agency: 5 players the 49ers should target in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 22: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 22: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Cornerback Malcolm Butler, New England Patriots

The 49ers have a young, promising cornerback in Ahkello Witherspoon, but No. 2 corner Dontae Johnson is poised to hit free agency. And it’s not likely the Niners want to bring him back anyway.

This position is of serious need to San Francisco this offseason, and going through free agency would add an experienced and NFL-ready player without having to worry about the almost-always struggles young defensive backs experience upon entering the league.

New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is going to command a pretty hefty salary this offseason and is arguably one of two or three top corners on the market.

The Patriots are projected to have $18,442,179 in cap space next year, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see them let Butler walk.

Butler might not be playing at the Pro Bowl level he experienced back in 2015. But his 79.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade is a considerable upgrade over Johnson’s 42.4 mark, meaning the 49ers would have two capable defensive backs at this critical position.

Again, Butler wouldn’t come cheap. But that isn’t a problem for San Francisco right now.