4 remaining free agents 49ers must consider before it’s too late
By Peter Panacy
49ers NFL free agency target No. 3: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
Staying on the cornerback theme here for a moment, the Niners could afford to bring aboard a couple of defensive backs to bolster an otherwise questionable depth chart here.
A nickel cornerback isn’t necessarily a top need, given how big a part of the defense K’Waun Williams has been since 2017. But considering Williams, now 30 years old, missed eight games last year with injuries, it might be worthwhile adding another quality veteran to back him up in the event of yet another setback.
San Francisco could consider one of its two drafted rookies, Ambry Thomas, to back up Williams over the slot this season. But early reports from training camp have highlighted Thomas’ struggles.
Those struggles could be due to Thomas having opted out of his final year in college. But even then, young defensive backs tend to have plenty of difficulties early on.
Former Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman has been a starter for much of his career, so it’s not clear whether or not he’d accept a backup role.
At this point, however, the 29 year old might be willing to accept a one-year prove-it deal on the cheap, and the 49ers could benefit from going after him to support Williams.