Predicting the 49ers’ 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
Right Cornerback: Kyle Fuller, Richard Sherman
Left Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon
Nickel: K’Waun Williams
Well, isn’t that a change.
San Francisco brought aboard former Seattle Seahawks cornerback — and longtime Niners nemesis — Richard Sherman on a three-year prove-it deal very friendly to San Francisco.
Especially when one considers the kind of money other top free-agent corners were getting, especially on many 49ers fans’ wish lists:
Malcolm Butler's annual average salary will be $12.2 million. Trumaine Johnson's will be $15 million. #49ers signed Richard Sherman, the best scheme fit of them all, with an annual average salary of $8.7 million.
— Peter Panacy (@PeterPanacy) March 13, 2018
A possible Niners target, Bears corner Kyle Fuller, received a transition tag from Chicago. This might have dissuaded the 49ers from making a move at Fuller, although there wouldn’t have been any NFL Draft compensation involved (unlike non-exclusive franchise tags) had San Francisco offered him a deal.
It matters not, though, as Sherman will be a seamless fit in an identical defensive scheme under coordinator Robert Saleh. The only question, of course, is whether or not Sherman’s 2017 Achilles injury will be an issue. He turns 30 years old later this month, so we’ll see.
The good news, though, is Sherman is a perfect mentor for second-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon.