3 free-agent cornerbacks who could still help out 49ers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
![Cornerback Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Cornerback Aqib Talib #21 of the Denver Broncos (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/addfcfd8b1af4a8dbe3a89675027bede0ad59ce8a70ee667060bb990e921b277.jpg)
49ers Free-Agent Target No. 3: Morris Claiborne
While he was a regular starter and contributor during his previous time with both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, veteran cornerback Morris Claiborne became something of an afterthought when he signed on with the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs in 2019, eventually starting just one game and appearing in eight.
At 30 years old, Claiborne isn’t the same reliable, quality veteran he once was, at least based on last year’s efforts.
But that wouldn’t be the role he would assume if the 49ers were to take a low-budget flier on him between now and the start of the season. If anything, the 5-foot-11 defensive back, not ideally a fit in San Francisco’s zone-style Cover 3 system, would provide more experience and versatility than anything else.
This would be crucial in a situation where the Niners possibly lose Richard Sherman to any length of time, thereby not being forced to start an up-and-down Ahkello Witherspoon and getting more practical experience with Claiborne instead.