5 free agents who would turn 49ers into Super Bowl favorites
By Peter Panacy
49ers NFL free agency target No. 2: CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Eagles
The Niners could see some substantial turnover within their secondary this offseason, and they were already forced to get creative here last year, namely by moving free safety Jimmie Ward down into the nickel cornerback spot, thanks to the surprising play by fellow veteran safety Tashaun Gipson.
Both are free agents, though. And while San Francisco has some young options to potentially fill the void at nickel, namely Samuel Womack and Ambry Thomas, having a proven veteran in the defensive backfield would be smart.
Plus, out of all the free agents on this particular list, Philadelphia Eagles nickel cornerback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson might be the most realistic.
Gardner-Johnson should be #49ers #1 FA priority! He’s a versatile DB, and he’s a tone setting difference maker! https://t.co/Vkmf3mP2lo
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) February 13, 2023
Not only would Gardner-Johnson fill the would-be void at nickel, especially if Ward departs, but he’d also project to be much cheaper in NFL free agency, too, as nickel backs never command the kind of top dollar that boundary corners receive.
With a projected value of $5.6 million, the 49ers shouldn’t have too much of an issue landing him if they try hard enough.