49ers 2019 free agency needs: Revisiting 5 players San Francisco should avoid
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Safety Landon Collins
It’s anyone’s guess what the New York Giants do with three-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins this offseason. The franchise tag deadline is approaching, and Collins reportedly doesn’t like that idea (few players do), which means he could be hitting free agency.
So, would a 49ers courtship make sense if he hits the open market?
Niner Noise explored this idea already, and there’s an argument to be made he would be an upgrade over strong safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Marcell Harris.
Perhaps, but that’s where the fit stays. San Francisco needs help, not at strong safety, but at free safety. Collins is much more adept playing in the box, where the Niners already have some depth.
Plus, according to Spotrac, Collins’ annual salary value is at $9.3 million per year. That kind of money would be better spent in a compensation package used to grab, let’s say, Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas, who is reportedly wanting to be the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
Where do you think the 49ers should spend their money? Collins wouldn’t be the correct answer in this case.