Niner Noise
FanSided

3 cap casualties the 49ers should try signing in 2020

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers gets tackled by Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers gets tackled by Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Cornerback Desmond Trufant

I begin with cornerback Desmond Trufant because I think this is the least likely signing for two reasons.

First, Trufant had, by all means, a productive season and, at 30 years old, he is not an aging veteran with no real future. He was lauded by his former coaches in Atlanta with the Falcons, and his release was purely for financial motives. That means the likelihood of him being available on a cheap deal is less likely. Second, the 49ers have to be confident in cornerback Emmanuel Moseley‘s play, thereby making the addition of Trufant extraneous.

That said, should Trufant’s price range drop to a comfortable position for the Niners, they should pull the trigger. Trufant would be a safer version of the Jason Verrett signing: slightly less upside but a much higher floor. Moseley played well, especially relative to expectations, but his play was in no way stellar.

Competition for the spot alongside Richard Sherman is necessary. Cornerback is one of the less secure positions on the roster, and adding in a capable Cover 3 corner would never be the wrong move. In the worst case, Moseley or Ahkello Witherspoon rises to the challenge and plays exceptionally, making the addition of Trufant moot.

However, Trufant graded slightly higher than Moseley, according to Pro Football Focus, so there is as good a chance that he outplays Moseley and earns a starting spot. In that case, the 49ers would have strengthened one of the most important positions on the field, especially in this pass-happy league, without a significant financial burden.