49ers 2020 free agency needs: 3 low-cost options at cornerback
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Morris Claiborne
2019 Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Veteran cornerback Morris Claiborne was lucky enough to be on the team that beat the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs.
But Claiborne was inactive for the contest, stemming from an injury, which helps drive down his likely asking price in 2020. So will the fact he appeared in only eight games over the course of the regular season.
At 30 years old, Claiborne is the clear-cut example of what San Francisco doesn’t want for a long-term option. Yet there’s little questioning Claiborne’s experience, which is something he possesses over Antonio Hamilton.
Claiborne has never made it to the Pro Bowl. But he has been largely productive before his one-year stint with Kansas City. In 2018, he recorded an impressive 14 pass breakups over the course of 15 games with the New York Jets.
Even though the drop off for players on the wrong side of 30 years old can be steep, one shouldn’t forget Claiborne put up some solid numbers not long ago.
Sure, Claiborne will likely be a bit more expensive than Hamilton. But considering Over the Cap valued the veteran’s 2019 efforts at $1.845 million, contractually, one figures he wouldn’t come at a much higher cost than what the Niners could spend on Hamilton.