SF 49ers Trade Target No. 1: Cornerback Tre Herndon
During the offseason, many thought the 49ers’ cornerback situation would be the most worrisome entering the season.
Perhaps it still could be, although the Niners defensive backs have largely accounted well for themselves during camp. Particularly at cornerback, where the oft-injured Jason Verrett has shown a newfound sense of vigor and could potentially start opposite Richard Sherman.
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However, San Francisco has limited depth options behind Verrett and Sherman. Emmanuel Moseley is there, yes, and he could also start on the boundary, too. But K’Waun Williams has been banged up, and the 49ers are hurting for a backup option to support him.
Tack on the fear of Verrett suffering yet another injury, and it’s not too hard to see how attrition could completely throttle this position in quick order.
So it would be beneficial for John Lynch to consider some reinforcements here, perhaps a starting-caliber backup like the Jaguars’ Tre Herndon, who is poised to be Jacksonville’s starting left cornerback in 2020.
Herndon, 5-foot-11 and 24 years old, started 14 games last year and picked up three interceptions with 13 passes defended. That’s a plus, and he could double as a reserve both on the outside and over the slot.
Making things more ideal, Herndon is on a rookie deal for undrafted free agents, poised to earn just over $750,000 this season before hitting restricted free agency in 2021, giving the Niners some flexibility there, too.
Perhaps a day-three pick would get the deal done here for Lynch and Co., alleviating some of the worries the Niners have at the position.