Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 5 players to target for 2019

By Timothy L. Miller

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants stands on the sidelines during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 02: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants reacts after being called for pass interference during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium on December 02, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 02: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants reacts after being called for pass interference during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium on December 02, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Safety Landon Collins

For everyone who is clamoring for the 49ers to sign safety Earl Thomas from the Seahawks, allow me to make the case for signing former Giants safety Landon Collins instead.

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Thomas will be 30 years old in May, and he hasn’t played a full season since 2015. After breaking his leg in 2016, Thomas openly contemplated retirement. Prior to the beginning of the 2018 season, Thomas held out of training camp with the hopes of a new contract. After the Seahawks declined, Thomas decided to show up in time for Week 1. By Week 4, Thomas had broken his leg again and flipped off the Seahawks sideline as he was getting carted off the field.

There is no doubting Thomas’ ability: three first-team All-Pros and six Pro Bowls in nine seasons is proof of that.

Collins is 25 years old, has played in three Pro Bowls and has one All-Pro nod so far in his young career. Liked by everyone in the Giants locker room, Collins was voted a defensive captain the last two years in New York.

Collins is ascending into his prime years. Thomas appears to be injury prone moving to the wrong side of 30 years old.

To me, the choice is simple: Collins.