Cornerback certainly isn't the San Francisco 49ers' top need heading into the offseason, and it's not the worst idea to roll out a starting trio of Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green and 2025 rookie Upton Stout when the new season finally hits in September.
That said, the Niners' defensive backfield could use an infusion of talent, especially if there are upgrades available.
And the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks might be able to provide a little bit of assistance, albeit in a roundabout way.
Four-year pro Riq Woolen, who was a finalist for the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year award after logging six interceptions that season, is hitting the free-agent market and could command a hefty contract elsewhere. And it's not uncommon for Lombardi-hoisting free agents to seek the best deal possible after winning football's ultimate prize.
So, it shouldn't be a surprise to see Bleacher Report's Alex Kay list San Francisco as an ideal fit for the 6-foot-4 Woolen:
"Unfortunately for the Seahawks, it's tough to keep a Super Bowl team together. Other teams will be happy to poach free agents from the reigning champions, with Woolen standing out as one of the more coveted corners in the 2026 class.
The rival San Francisco 49ers could not only bolster their own secondary, but also knock their NFC West rivals down a peg by luring Woolen away this offseason.
The Niners have struggled at the outside cornerback position and could benefit heavily by adding a 6'4", 210-pound playmaker into the mix.
Woolen has racked up 12 interceptions and 53 pass defenses during his first 64 career games and still has plenty of tread left on his tires at the age of 26, making him an excellent option for San Francisco to sign to a long-term deal."
Kay also suggested a four-year, $55 million deal to head south to the Bay Area.
Would 49ers go out and sign Riq Woolen away from Seahawks?
Again, on the surface, grabbing a cornerback isn't on the 49ers' list of biggest needs this offseason. Grabbing a wide receiver, a pass-rusher and a safety would probably occupy the top three spots.
However, the Niners have never shied away from upgrading wherever possible, and in light of Green's playoff spat with head coach Kyle Shanahan, it wouldn't be a massive shock if San Francisco opted to get someone with more upside anyway.
Additionally, and despite the 49ers' hefty financial investment in him, Lenoir played much more like a CB2 last season instead of a true shutdown option.
Woolen, meanwhile, held opposing quarterbacks to a solid 75.7 passer rating when targeted last season, and he's never let that number get above 80 in his four-year career to date.
Again, the corner might not be the Niners' top free-agent priority.
But, if they have a chance to deplete Seattle's roster while improving their own, the 49ers shouldn't hesitate.