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Although they've locked up their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Garoppolo, the San Francisco 49ers still have a handful of other positions they have to address this offseason, one of which is at cornerback. Luckily, they have a ton of cap space which they can use to get one. And apparently, they intend to pursue arguably the best corner in this year’s free-agent market in the Los Angeles Rams' Trumaine Johnson.
According to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, not only will the Niners push the Oakland Raiders for Johnson’s signature, but they might actually have the better chance of getting it.
On Monday, we reported that the Oakland Raiders will make a big push to sign free-agent cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Today I was informed that their main competition will be from the cross-town rival San Francisco 49ers, and many feel the team by the bay will win out. If the Niners sign Johnson, it will alter their draft strategy in Round 1.
Johnson has played his entire six-year NFL career with the Rams and was a pivotal part of their defense last season. He had a team-high 13 passes defended as well as two interceptions. However, he may not re-sign with the Rams for next season and will be in high demand if he hits the open market as expected.
If he does come to San Francisco, Johnson would immediately be a massive upgrade to a 49ers pass defense which was an obvious weakness due to its notable lack of an established veteran star in the secondary. Although cornerback Akhello Witherspoon had a strong rookie season, he would benefit greatly playing alongside a No. 1-caliber corner like Johnson to take the pressure off him.
As Pauline mentions, landing Johnson could significantly change the 49ers' draft strategy. Getting a stud corner like Johnson would alleviate the Niners' need to pick one up with their No. 9 pick and would allow them to focus on another position of need.
