3 free-agent cornerbacks who could still help out 49ers in 2020
By Peter Panacy
49ers Free-Agent Target No. 2: Ross Cockrell
If the 49ers wanted to go a bit younger than Morris Claiborne, yet still not sacrifice the level of experience needed in case of injury to one of the would-be starters, targeting former Carolina Panthers cornerback Ross Cockrell wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
Unlike Claiborne, Cockrell didn’t see his 2019 campaign draw to an unceremonious close as a forgotten commodity, as the latter ended up starting 11 games last season and registering an impressive eight passes defended.
In fact, getting in the way of opponents’ passes has been something for which Cockrell has a knack. Over his career, the 28 year old has managed 44 passes broken up. He hasn’t been a turnover-generating machine, boasting a mere seven interceptions over his six-year career.
But if you’re not intercepting passes, breaking them up is the next best thing.
Cockrell could end up being a serviceable backup on a multi-year deal, too, which could help solve some of San Francisco’s long-term needs beyond this season.