Niner Noise
FanSided

5 lesser-known free agents the 49ers should target in 2018

By Peter Panacy

General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks a pass intended for Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks a pass intended for Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Cornerback Tramon Williams, Arizona Cardinals

At 34 years old, veteran Cardinals cornerback Tramon Williams is probably going to be cashing in on his final NFL deal. And he certainly shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term option or serious upgrade.

He has, however, registered an 86.8 overall grade this season, per Pro Football Focus, with two interceptions and 10 passes defended on the year.

The Niners are likely going to let No. 2 cornerback Dontae Johnson walk this offseason, and it’s all but guaranteed they’ll be on the hunt for a younger, more capable defensive back. But it’s important to note many young defensive backs struggle with the transition from the collegiate ranks to the pros.

Signing a player like Williams would afford the 49ers the luxury of grabbing a corner in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft, while not being in a position to press him into service right away.