49ers roster: 4 players who should probably retire after 2021

No. 3: 49ers Cornerback Josh Norman

Veteran cornerback Josh Norman is probably going to receive a lot of scorn from the 49ers fanbase for what happened for much of 2021, and that’s unfortunate.

Norman was more of an emergency free-agent signing earlier in the year and wasn’t originally intended to be a full-time starter, only injuries leading to him being inserted into the starting lineup.

Yes, Norman had his share of splash moments, including a notable seven forced fumbles over 15 regular-season games played, 14 of them starts. But it was also evident the 34-year-old former first-team All-Pro had lost a step, too, and the fact he surrendered four touchdowns and a whopping 110.6 passer rating when targeted in coverage isn’t an endorsement.

On top of that, and the likely reason the Niners ultimately decided to bench him, was the fact he had four defensive pass-interference calls against him, going along with two defensive-holding calls, too.

Norman’s seven overall penalties against were tied for eighth most among all defenders during the regular season, and it might be indicative the game has simply passed him by.

No longer one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Norman might want to explore his other options in 2022.