5 players John Lynch, 49ers would absolutely trade for in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers trade target No. 3: Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, Dolphins
John Lynch has long placed an emphasis on the Niners defensive line, and two of the noted trade targets here would help with that, although neither player would necessarily be easy to acquire.
Yet another one of Lynch’s priorities for San Francisco this offseason would be addressing the cornerback room, which is poised to lose pending free agents like Josh Norman and K’Waun Williams while also possibly needing upgrades over returnees like Emmanuel Moseley and Ambry Thomas.
Going after Miami Dolphins third-year cornerback Noah Igbinoghene would certainly be in play here, as the former first-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft has been pushed to the periphery by Miami’s other cornerbacks, Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, which means Igbinoghene is something of an excess commodity.
Still on his rookie contract, the 49ers wouldn’t have to worry too much about absorbing a lofty salary in 2022 and could still back on Igbinoghene’s potential and development.
He is only 22 years old after all, and young defensive backs often take time to fully mature.
Consider this a nice low-risk, potentially high-reward transaction if Lynch decides to ask new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel nicely.