NFL trade rumors: The case for the 49ers acquiring Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise explores the case for the San Francisco 49ers acquiring Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters, who is reportedly on the trade block. Would it be a smart move?
Over the weekend, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio speculated Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters could be on the trade block after K.C. signed free-agent corner David Amerson.
Here’s what Florio had to say about the possibility:
"Peters has become one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, but Peters has at times been a bit of a handful for the Chiefs. …Subject to a fifth-year option, the Chiefs (or whoever holds his contractual rights) will have to decide by early May whether to extend the contract through 2019. As the new league year approaches, Peters has become a name to watch for a possible trade — especially with the guy who drafted him four years ago [John Dorsey] now the G.M. in Cleveland."
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, who are in need of a top-tier cornerback, could be one of a number of interested teams.
The only question is whether or not Peters would be worth it.
In this article, we’ll explore the positives behind making such a move and, specifically, what it would take to land Peters’ services.
Marcus Peters a Top-Tier Talent
There’s little denying Peters’ on-field abilities. Selected by the Chiefs a pick after the Niners grabbed defensive tackle Arik Armstead at No. 17 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Peters has clearly emerged as the better contributor of the two.
Over his three pro seasons, Peters has totaled 19 interceptions and a whopping 55 passes defended en route to two Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro selection.
His talent is undeniable.
Sure, 2017 was an off year, to an extent. But his 85.7 Pro Football Focus grade still ranks ahead of that from Niners’ No. 1 corner Ahkello Witherspoon (81.1) last year.
Additionally, Peters is still playing on his rookie contract through 2018 and would have a fifth-year option for 2019, should San Francisco elect to bite on the move. So it wouldn’t be a case where the Niners have to pony up big free-agent money unless Peters proves to be a worthy commodity with the team this season.
This would be a much cheaper option than looking to land a free-agent corner, like the New England Patriots’ Malcolm Butler.
Identifying the 49ers Fit
The Niners need another corner to pair with Witherspoon, and it’s not likely the team brings back pending free-agent corner Dontae Johnson, who was a major liability over the course of 2017.
Peters’ 19 picks over the last three seasons is pure ballhawking. Over that same stretch, no 49ers defensive back has registered more than three.
What makes Peters a fit is his ability to thrive in one-on-one situations. With San Francisco’s single-high, Cover 3 defense, a cornerback like Peters makes a lot of sense to handle single coverage duties and isolate receivers in the process.
So what would it take to land his services?
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According to Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman, grabbing Peters would likely cost the Niners a second- or a third-round pick.
The cost seems a bit low, as Peters (a first-round draftee) has already cemented himself one of the game’s best defensive backs. Yet if the reported tension between Peters and the coaching staff is real, and the Chiefs are looking to move on, they’ll likely want to get anything in return before allowing him to leave via free agency.
If San Francisco can make a move with one of its second- or third-round picks, especially the latter, the thought is surely enticing.
Next: Would you make these 3 trades if you were the 49ers?
But this is far from a no-brainer transaction. Tomorrow, we’ll look at the con argument why the 49ers shouldn’t bring aboard Peters.