NFL trade rumors: The case against the 49ers acquiring Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters
By Peter Panacy
After looking at the positives, Niner Noise explores why the San Francisco 49ers shouldn’t make a run at Kansas City Chiefs corner Marcus Peters, who is reportedly on the trade block.
Yesterday, Niner Noise examined the positives behind the San Francisco 49ers looking into a potential trade for Kansas City Chiefs two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters.
We’ll take the flip side of the argument here and explore why it’s not such a great idea.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Peters might be available via a trade after the Chiefs landed free-agent corner David Amerson. It’s somewhat odd to think why K.C. would deal a corner with 19 interceptions over a three-year career, especially while he’s still on his rookie contract. But reported rifts with the coaching staff, which ultimately led to a one-game suspension last year, could be enough for the Chiefs to want to make a move.
San Francisco 49ers
So could the fact the general manager who drafted Peters back in 2015, John Dorsey, is no longer in Kansas City.
The 49ers do need a cornerback this offseason, and Peters’ upside is surely worth considering.
But there’s far more in play here, and it’s not all good.
Marcus Peters a Volatile Player
Last year’s incident with the Chiefs wasn’t the first time Peters had issues with coaching staffs.
Fans may recall Peters being dismissed from the University of Washington back in 2014 after a class with coaches. And it wasn’t a one-time, isolated incident either.
It’s apparent Peters has a big personality. And while some may view his passion towards the game with enthusiasm, any locker-room dynamic has to be taken into serious account when considering a possible trade.
Simply put, Peters has been suspended everywhere he’s gone from the college ranks to the pros. Sure, he’s young. But the best indicator of future behavior is what transpired in the past.
Would the 49ers be willing to gamble on possibly a big distraction?
Talent trumps all, though, so we have to look whether or not Peters would be a fit.
Identifying the Fit with the 49ers
Quarterbacks targeted Peters a lot his rookie season — 137 total targets, most in the NFL –which helped explained a league-leading eight interceptions back in 2015.
That number has dropped, obviously, and Peters saw only 72 targets (tied for 37th most, per Pro Football Focus) in 2017 while allowing a quarterback passer rating of just 66.0.
Most of this was primarily in nickel and dime formations, which allowed Peters to patrol his sectors with as many as five or six defensive backs in support. Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh prefers a single-high safety with a Cover 3 deployment, although nickel and dime coverages can still be relatively universal based off personnel.
Simply put, Peters would likely see a bit more one-on-one coverage in San Francisco than he did in K.C. But it’s negligible.
And, if anything, it would help free up other Niners defenders, as Peters has mostly corrected his big-gamble, big-play issues that accompanied him when drafted back in 2015.
So, is Peters a fit? Sure. But at what cost.
Being on a rookie contract, Peters wouldn’t cost much right away. Instead, the big question is compensation. Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman suggested a second- or third-round pick in exchange. Yet this would be for a first-round talent with two Pro Bowl and one first-team All-Pro nod under his belt.
All by the age of 25 years old.
Conclusion
If K.C. is fielding offers, the compensation only goes up. Would a rebuilding team heading on the right path want to part ways with future investment pieces?
That’s a question for general manager John Lynch. But with a new-found stress on culture and locker-room dynamic, Peters’ volatile personality may be too much to consider.
Additionally, options in free agency or the NFL Draft may be more enticing.
More from Niner Noise
- 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
The 2018 cornerback draft class is pretty deep, which affords Lynch the opportunity to repeat the kind of move he made with cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon — a mid-round selection, turned rookie starter.
Armed with a flurry of cap space, the Niners could also pursue a less-volatile, promising option like the Chicago Bears’ Kyle Fuller. Fuller saw far more targets than Peters in 2017 (117) but still posted similar results — an opposing passer rating of 69.0.
That’s probably the better option.
Next: 5 cornerbacks the 49ers can consider in the NFL Draft
Peters’ talent is at an elite level. But the risk of distractions and locker-room issues may be too much for the Niners to part ways with a high draft pick. Best to save that selection and use a lofty amount of cap space to address this need elsewhere.