49ers free agency: 3 dream targets for San Francisco in 2022

49ers Free Agency Target No. 1: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore

Speaking of the potential turnover in the secondary, San Francisco could end up losing out on defensive backs like Jaquiski Tartt, Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams early in 2022, and all three are getting up there in age anyway.

Fortunately, the 49ers’ pending cap situation is nowhere near as bad as the New Orleans Saints, who began the opening phases of a salary cap “hell” after proverbially “kicking the can” down the road for years while trying to keep their own Super Bowl window open.

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One of the potential costs of doing so might be losing out on their top cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, whose own renegotiated contract effectively makes him an expensive potential free-agent departure in 2022 after his current deal expires.

Currently almost $15 million over the 2022 cap, it’s hard to envision New Orleans finds a way to retain him.

At 25 years old, Lattimore will be one of the higher-profile free agents on the market next offseason. A three-time Pro Bowler capable of being plugged into any defensive scheme, the Niners could easily replace a player like Verrett while making the transaction a substantial upgrade at the same time.

Meanwhile, Lattimore would continue his play for a contender, helping turn San Francisco’s secondary into a formidable force.