The San Francisco 49ers are in a win-now phase. Once they extend quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason, they will need to maintain an all-in mentality. While they may not be able to sign multiple top-tier contracts, the 49ers still have room to make strategic moves. With over $50 million in cap space entering 2025, San Francisco needs to boost their roster following a disappointing 6-11 season.
One position that is locked down is cornerback, with Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green currently filling the starting roles. However, with former Pro Bowler Charvarius Ward expected to leave in free agency, there’s an opening to bring in another top talent for the secondary.
In light of this, one analyst broke down the free agent market and named the San Francisco 49ers as a potential landing spot for two high-caliber cornerbacks, including one from an NFC rival.
49ers Linked to NFC Rival Cornerback
According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, the 49ers are one of two possible destinations for Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III.
“Robert Saleh is back leading the 49ers’ defense, and the expectation is that he will try to replicate the successful defensive units he coached in New York, especially utilizing Cover 1. Davis could even be an upgrade over the departing Charvarius Ward in Saleh’s system.”
Davis, 28, is regarded as one of the top all-around cornerbacks in the NFL. His versatility shines through in both run defense and coverage. Over his seven-year career, Davis has accumulated 380 tackles, 84 pass deflections, and 11 interceptions.
In 2024, Davis posted 64 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions for the Detroit Lions. His 77.7 run-defense grade was just outside the top 20 among cornerbacks who played at least 20% of their team’s snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
He excelled in zone coverage, earning an 82.4 PFF grade, and allowed the lowest reception rate (66.7%) among all full-time starting cornerbacks. Davis also matches Charvarius Ward’s man-coverage skills, making it an easy transition to the 49ers’ system. Adding to his appeal, Davis is a Super Bowl champion, further elevating the profile of San Francisco’s secondary.
Pro Football Focus projects Davis, ranked as the 21st-best free agent, to sign a three-year, $42 million deal with $25 million guaranteed—half a million less than Ward’s projected contract.
Carlton Davis III isn’t the only cornerback Cameron connects to the 49ers, as a familiar face may be returning to the Bay Area.
San Francisco Eyeing Another Reunion
With Robert Saleh back in San Francisco, Cameron speculates that the 49ers could seek a reunion with former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed.
“With Saleh returning to San Francisco as defensive coordinator, Reed and the 49ers might have mutual interest in reuniting the cornerback with his former coach from New York. Reed’s PFF coverage grade significantly dropped pre- and post-Saleh coaching with the Jets, as his 90.8 mark fell to 54.0 from Week 5 onward this season.”
In 2024, Reed allowed an opposing passer rating of just 89.2, recording 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and 11 passes defended. He is also a strong run defender, earning a 71.8 PFF grade—23.4 points higher than the 49ers’ impending free agent Charvarius Ward.
Reed is also expected to sign a three-year, $42 million contract, with $27.5 million guaranteed.
Whether the 49ers pursue Carlton Davis III or D.J. Reed, the team is in need of a third cornerback. While they could re-sign Isaac Yiadom, indications suggest he will test free agency. Regardless, the 49ers are likely to offer a $3 million contract to a veteran cornerback, similar to the deal that brought Yiadom to San Francisco last offseason.
