2020 NFL free agency: 3 safeties 49ers can target
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Eric Murray, Cleveland Browns
Like Adrian Phillips, Cleveland Browns defensive back Eric Murray has watched his pro career fluctuate between the ranks of being a starter and backup.
Such was the case between 2016 and 2018, when Murray often filled in for a frequently absent Eric Berry, and then again when Murray saw action in nine game, starting four of them, with Cleveland a year ago.
Murray has some flexibility here, doubling as a nickel cornerback, which serves some versatility in his would-be fit with the 49ers. And considering he just turned 26 years old, it’s safe to assume he could be a low-budget option for at least a year or two.
This wouldn’t be a long-term option, of course. Murray has long since shown better prowess against the run, and his pass-coverage abilities aren’t anywhere close to starting-caliber level.
But this could be covered up by the Niners’ top-end pass rush, which almost always takes pressure off questionable players in the secondary.
Going after a player like Murray would essentially postpone the team’s needs at safety for another year, and that might be long enough until the 49ers can address the position at a later date.