4 still-available free agents 49ers should target before Week 1 vs. Jets
By Scott Conrad
As the final cuts have been made to each NFL team's regular-season opening roster, there are a few names out tof need for the San Francisco 49ers. With the recent deals for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams being resolved finally, those two spots do not look to be part of those needs as the team prepares for its regular-season opener against the New York Jets.
But there are always roster needs out there, especially after general manager John Lynch created what's now the league's most salary cap space.
Looking at the opposing quarterbacks the Niners will face this season, the appeal to add another veteran cornerback would shore up San Francisco's secondary.
The defending NFC champions allowed over 210 yards by air in 2023, which ranked towards the middle of league ranks. Yet, along with the Chicago Bears, San Francisco tied for first in the NFL with 22 interceptions.
A pair of cornerbacks are unsigned. Either J.C. Jackson or Caleb Farley could be potential difference makers.
49ers free-agent target No. 1: CB J.C. Jackson
His first four seasons in the league were tremendous. Undrafted out of the Univeristy of Maryland, Jackson recorded 25 interceptions, 53 passes defended and 158 total tackles.
While he left the New England Patriots after signing one the largest contracts in 2022 to play for the Los Angeles Chargers, he never recreated the same level of success.
Less than two seasons later, Jackson found himself back in a Patriots uniform.
Despite turning 30 years old in November, Jackson can still produce for the 49ers when they face quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, whom they'll see in Week 1, as well as Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford (twice).