Niner Noise
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3 reasons 49ers passed on cornerbacks in 2020 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers fires the team up on the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers fires the team up on the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Ramsey, Rams
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #20 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 2: 49ers Will Play the 2021 Free-Agent Market

It’s not going to be the most lucrative and wide-open free-agent market for cornerbacks in 2021, but there are some notable names who could potentially be San Francisco targets.

While he’s on the wrong side of 30 years old, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is heading towards free agency a year from now. And he’s still playing at a high enough level. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is also in the prime of his career. Despite how much Los Angeles gave up to get Ramsey, L.A.’s own cap restraints could ultimately mean Ramsey hits the open market for what could be the largest contract ever given to a defensive back.

It’s not likely the Niners bite that option, but it’s one to consider.

Lower-cost options include the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Mills, the New York Jet’s Pierre Desir and the Seattle Seahawks Quinton Dunbar.

This is perhaps the toughest route to evaluate because there are so many factors and X-factors working their way into the equation between now and the start of free agency in 2021. New deals could be worked out, trades and extensions are all possible. So are franchise tags.

Still, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the 49ers look at a potential free-agent option in 2021 to at least take pressure off the next possible reason why the Niners drafted zero corners this year, next season’s NFL Draft.