49ers free agency: Predicting landing spots for top 5 free agents
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent No. 3: Cornerback K’Waun Williams
Much like nose tackles, nickel cornerbacks don’t command anywhere near the kind of money boundary corners receive.
So, there’s a good chance the 49ers would be able to retain their top slot cornerback, K’Waun Williams, heading into 2022 at a reasonable price.
Last year, amid a down market for cornerbacks, Williams signed one of those team-friendly one-year deals worth $2.38 million and probably outplayed his value by appearing in 14 games, logging an interception, 52 tackles, four passes broken up and a forced fumble.
The Niners do have some plausible replacement options on the roster, namely 2021 rookie cornerbacks Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir. Yet Williams, particularly right now, is vastly better than both of those two.
However, turning 31 years old before the start of the regular season, Williams might be seeking the final hefty payday of his NFL career and could potentially not settle for a one-year bargain deal again.
A team ready to win now, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, may look to pry Williams away on a longer-term deal, as they had an interest in Williams a year ago.
Perhaps that solidifies this offseason.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs