49ers 2018 free-agent target: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson

The San Francisco 49ers could consider a strong push for free-agent cornerback Trumaine Johnson, following the Los Angeles Rams’ trade for former Kansas City Chiefs corner Marcus Peters. Let’s break down how Johnson might fit with the Niners.

Cornerback is one of the most pressing needs the San Francisco 49ers have heading into 2018, and the free-agent market just got a little bit more interesting.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the more active teams this offseason, first sending off quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins.

Now, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are dealing cornerback Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams:

Chiefs are expected to trade CB Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams, sources tell ESPN. Teams are in final stages of talks and barring an unexpected snag, the trade is expected to be agreed to as early as today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2018

Acquiring Peters means the Rams will also move on from veteran cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who played 2017 on the franchise tag. The 28-year-old Northern California native has spent his entire career with the Rams organization.

Should he be on San Francisco’s radar?

According to Spotrac.com’s market value tool, Johnson would be worth approximately $11 million this upcoming season. Cap space isn’t an issue for San Francisco, so the financial part isn’t a worry.

But what are the other things the 49ers should know heading into 2018 if Johnson is a target?

Trumaine Johnson a Fit with the 49ers?

Johnson has stayed relatively healthy over his six-year career, which is always a good sign.

And while his ballhawking days from 2015 may be in the rear-view mirror, his two interceptions last season would have been tied for the team lead in San Francisco.

Trumaine Johnson Defense & Fumbles Table
				Game	Game	Def	Def	Def	Def	Def	Fumb	Fumb	Sack	Sack
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	G	GS	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Tkl	Ast
2012	22	STL	lcb/rcb	16	3	2	4	0	4	8			28	2
2013	23	STL	lb/LCB	16	12	3	36	0	29	12	1	0	58	10
2014	24	STL	lb/lcb	9	5	3	69	1	43	6			33	3
2015	25	STL	LCB	14	13	7	136	1	58	17	0	1	58	13
2016	26	LAR	LCB	14	14	1	0	0	0	11	0	1	47	10
2017	27	LAR	LCB	16	15	2	39	1	39	13	1	1	57	8
Care	Care			85	62	18	284	3	58	67	2	3	281	46

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/23/2018.

Johnson finished last year as Pro Football Focus‘ 68th-ranked qualifying cornerback last year, posting a 74.2 overall grade in the process. He also allowed opposing quarterbacks a 79.8 passer rating when he was targeted — 45th best out of 121 corners evaluated by PFF.

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The numbers aren’t elite, by any means. But when compared to those of Niners corner Dontae Johnson, who hits free agency this offseason, it’s a clear upgrade.

Dontae Johnson was PFF’s 118th-ranked corner and allowed a passer rating of 108.7, by the way.

Based off these numbers, the 49ers would be making a wise move to target Trumaine Johnson when he hits free agency. Even a sizable contract wouldn’t put the Niners into any financial headaches, and Johnson is still young enough to offer a couple years’ worth of good services.

Next: Rethinking 49ers' list of top 5 free-agent targets in 2018

So, when free agency starts on Mar. 14, expect San Francisco to be in play here.