5 early targets for the 49ers in 2020 NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Cornerback Daryl Worley
Two things prompt the 49ers needing to add some bulk at cornerback in 2020. For starters, the Week 3 injury to cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, which will keep him out at least a month, will test an untested depth chart.
On top of that, fellow corner Jason Verrett played only his first snaps since early in 2017 in Week 3 and looked awfully rusty.
More from SF 49ers Free Agency
- Former 49ers kicker Robbie Gould still wants to play for Bears
- 49ers bolster wide receiver room by grabbing Chris Conley
- 49ers news: Kerry Hyder is back to bolster defensive line depth
- Low-risk free agents 49ers can still target before NFL Draft
- 49ers aren’t talking to this free agent (but they should)
Verrett’s health is an issue, too, as is the fact he’s around on only a one-year deal. And with veteran corner Richard Sherman signed only through 2020, it might be wise to land some more reliable help here.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley has something of a tumultuous history, carrying some red flags, which resulted in his release from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 after he was traded for wide receiver Torrey Smith.
Before the trade, Worley was decent enough with the Carolina Panthers. It was only his 2018 campaign in Oakland, where he was something of a liability. Yet he still managed an impressive seven pass breakups.
Worley could hold the line, either as a potential starter or at least as a reserve, until the 49ers can draft and develop a younger cornerback to eventually take Sherman’s place.