The 2020 NFL season has brought many challenges for the San Francisco 49ers, but one of the biggest has been their struggle to improve their secondary. After losing star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the offseason, the Niners have been looking for ways to upgrade and strengthen their cornerback room. However, despite some setbacks, there are still options for them to make significant improvements before the season kicks off.
According to ESPN, three of the top-four remaining free agents are cornerbacks, and signing any of them would constitute a significant upgrade for the Niners. With the recent departure of Charvarious Ward to the Indianapolis Colts, the team is in dire need of a solid and experienced cornerback to fill the void. Here are three free agents that the Niners should consider to bolster their secondary before the start of the season.
1. Logan Ryan
Logan Ryan has proven to be a reliable and versatile cornerback during his time with the Tennessee Titans. He has played both outside and slot cornerback positions and has shown his ability to be effective in both roles. Ryan has been regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the league and would be a valuable addition to the Niners’ secondary. He has accumulated 408 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 11.5 sacks in his career, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
One of the main reasons why Ryan would be a great fit for the Niners is his ability to cover a wide range of receivers. His size and speed allow him to match up against smaller and faster receivers, as well as bigger and more physical ones. In addition, his experience in the league would bring a much-needed veteran presence to a young and inexperienced cornerback group. Ryan would also add depth to the defense, which is crucial in a league where injuries can happen at any time.
2. Prince Amukamara
Prince Amukamara may not have the same level of experience as Logan Ryan, but he has proven to be a reliable cornerback during his time in the league. He spent the previous three seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he accumulated 167 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. While he may not be the flashiest player on the field, Amukamara’s consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset for any team.
Amukamara’s ability to play both man and zone coverage would make him a great fit for the Niners’ defensive scheme. He is also known for his physicality and tackling ability, which would be a great addition to the Niners’ defense. Moreover, his experience in the league would be valuable for the younger cornerbacks on the team, as he could serve as a mentor and leader for them.
3. Moritz Boehringer
Moritz Boehringer may not be a household name in the NFL, but he has been turning heads in the offseason. The German-born cornerback, who has been dubbed the “German Megatron” for his impressive size and speed, was recently signed by the Niners after showcasing his skills in a tryout. Boehringer may not have any NFL experience, but he has played in the German Football League and has spent time on various practice squads in the league.
Boehringer’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for the Niners. At 6’4” and 225 pounds, he has the physical tools to match up against bigger and more physical receivers in the league. Although he may need some time to develop his skills, Boehringer’s potential is too great to be ignored. With the right coaching and guidance, he could become a prominent player in the league and a valuable asset to the Niners’ secondary.
In conclusion, the San Francisco 49ers may have missed out on Jalen Ramsey, but there are still plenty of options for them to upgrade their secondary. Signing any of the top cornerback free agents would bring a significant improvement to the team and potentially solidify their defense for the upcoming season. Whether it’s the experience of Logan Ryan, the reliability of Prince Amukamara, or the potential of Moritz Boehringer, the Niners have the opportunity to strengthen their cornerback room and make a statement in the league. It’s just a matter of making the right move before the season starts.