5 under-the-radar free agents 49ers should try adding in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent target No. 3: Cornerback Carlton Davis, Buccaneers
He might be a bit more over-the-radar a player than some. But Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis would be a worthy target for San Francisco in free agency this offseason.
Even if the 49ers landed D.J. Reed somehow, they’d still be smart to search for a veteran addition to their boundary cornerbacking needs. Sure, the Niners saw a gradual progression from their 2021 third-round rookie draft pick, Ambry Thomas, and fellow corner Emmanuel Moseley remains in the fray, too.
But Thomas hasn’t quite solidified himself as a starter yet, and Moseley will likely remain one of those players trending between being a starting-caliber player and a high-quality backup.
Davis, who just turned 25 years old, is a year removed from a four-interception, 18-pass breakup campaign in 2020. That would have likely netted a significant free-agent payout this offseason, except for the fact injuries forced him to miss seven games last season.
That should drive down the price a bit, which would be welcomed news to San Francisco as it looks to reinforce its secondary.