The 49ers could find themselves in a good news/bad news situation now that NFL free agency has nearly ended. The bad news is that they did not add depth at cornerback, with Charvarius Ward locked in on one side and only Deommodore Lenior set on the other. The good news is that the cost of doing so has decreased considerably, and the 49ers may be able to add former NFL champion and five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore to the roster.
A minor bonus: Gilmore would come from Dallas, where he spent last year, producing a very productive season for the Cowboys, who are going through a bit of a purge due to cap difficulties.
The Cowboys have lost five starters and have done little to replace them—though they did acquire 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks—so they are unlikely to pose as big of a challenge to the reigning NFC champion 49ers as clubs like the Eagles, Lions, and Packers next season. Gilmore’s move from Dallas to San Francisco would only aggravate the Cowboys’ problems.
49ers Secondary is not in dire need of assistance.
According to Bleacher Report writer Matt Holder, Gilmore is a cost-effective solution to the 49ers’ secondary depth issues.
“San Francisco began the offseason looking to improve at the defense’s second starting cornerback position. However, the front office was limited by a lack of cap space.Now that free agency has lasted several weeks and Gilmore is still available, he may be prepared to accept a lower salary to play for a Super Bowl contender like the 49ers.
The 49ers do not currently have an emergency situation at cornerback. Lenoir wasn’t horrible last year and worked well with Ward. However, when Ambry Thomas was given playing time, he appeared to be out of his depth, and the 49ers may want to go with veteran Isaac Yiadom instead.
Last year, Ward ranked fifth on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of 127 cornerbacks. Lenoir was number 23. Thomas rated 75th while playing 573 snaps, whereas Yiadom was 10th and played 517 defensive snaps.
Stephon Gilmore’s market price remains high.
Gilmore played all 17 games for Dallas last season, but he struggled in the playoffs due to a shoulder issue that necessitated surgery. Still, he is scheduled to be ready in 2024. He has championship experience, having led the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2018 season.
Given the current market conditions, Gilmore may be available for a low price. He is coming off a two-year contract for $20 million that he signed with the Colts in 2022. Spotrac estimates his market value at $11.4 million on a one-year agreement.
Given his age, this makes logical. Gilmore’s deal is expected to last one year and cost $10 million, according to Pro Football Focus. The website summarized his free-agent credentials:
“Gilmore’s offseason trade from the Indianapolis Colts to the Dallas Cowboys returned him to playing competitive football, and he hasn’t missed a beat as he’s moved about over the last few years. Gilmore still excels in single coverage and can compete with more powerful receivers who play through contact, timing his leap well on contested catches and leaping routes with excellent play identification.”
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