The San Francisco 49ers have made strides in bolstering their cornerback position, signaling a departure from past concerns. Yet, lingering apprehensions about their secondary remain as they shape their roster for the upcoming 2024 season.
At the forefront of their defensive backfield are standout performers Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, forming a formidable starting duo. Lenoir’s adaptability was evident last season as he seamlessly transitioned between outside corner and slot duties during the Niners’ Super Bowl run.
However, depth has historically plagued the 49ers at cornerback, a vulnerability highlighted in the heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. Veteran Logan Ryan stepped into the slot role, while Ambry Thomas, who had been playing outside in nickel situations, found himself benched after playoff struggles.
Addressing this depth concern, the 49ers have secured Isaac Yiadom in free agency on a one-year deal. Yiadom’s stellar season with the New Orleans Saints showcased his ability, boasting impressive stats including 14 pass breakups and a completion percentage allowed of just 38.5%.
Despite Yiadom’s arrival, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell identifies the 49ers as a prime landing spot for former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White, released by the Buffalo Bills due to cap constraints. Adding White to the roster would solidify the cornerback unit, eradicating any lingering doubts about depth.
“San Francisco is set with its top two corners Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward , but the third spot is a bit of a question mark. We saw teams pick on Ambry Thomas throughout the 2023 season, leading the Niners to bench him in the Super Bowl and play Logan Ryan in the slot. A miscommunication between Ryan and Ward helped free up Mecole Hardman on the touchdown that won the Super Bowl. With Lenoir moving into the slot in San Francisco’s sub-packages, White could step in as the outside corner while building up his legs after the Achilles injury.”
With Yiadom already in the fold, the 49ers could potentially move Lenoir inside without relying on Thomas. Nonetheless, the team remains susceptible to cornerback injuries, emphasizing the need for a dependable third option.
White’s addition would offer the 49ers a wealth of cornerback talent, complementing Lenoir’s impressive performance last season. However, concerns linger over White’s injury history, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in the previous season.
While the 49ers have prioritized durability in their offseason acquisitions, they have not yet scheduled a visit with White. Nevertheless, signing him would represent a calculated risk with the potential for significant dividends, shoring up a critical position that has often been a source of uncertainty. It would be prudent for the Niners to explore the possibility of adding White to their roster.
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