The 49ers’ cornerback depth needs a little help. While it would behoove them to add a player at that position in the draft, searching the free-agent market for a veteran may be beneficial for the team’s short-term success as well.
ESPN’s Ben Linsey sketched out a one-free-agent plan for all 32 teams, and dropped free agent cornerback Ronald Darby in a 49ers uniform.
San Francisco’s need for a veteran corner stems from the uncertainty facing them on the opposite side of Richard Sherman. Ahkello Witherspoon was up-and-down in his third season, although most of his poor play came after a return from a foot injury. His backup, Emmanuel Moseley, played well throughout the season, but hasn’t established himself as the surefire starter going into 2020.
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That’s where Darby’s value comes in. He was not good in 2019 during his third season with the Eagles. He allowed a career-worst 62.9 percent completion rate for 664 yards, a career-high six touchdowns, and a career-high 117.9 passer rating according to Pro Football Focus. Perhaps the only endearing quality of Darby’s year was the zero penalties he accumulated.
His disappointing 2019 season may have been bad enough that his free agent value drops low enough for the cash-strapped 49ers to swoop in and add a veteran corner. Via ESPN:
The Florida State product was one of the worst cornerbacks in the league last season, earning a coverage grade of 41.0 with the Eagles, but his history suggests that to be an outlier rather than the norm. In his four earlier seasons, Darby had never graded below 68.3. The 49ers could take a shot on him as their outside cornerback opposite Richard Sherman and hope that prior form returns.
In the event the 49ers can afford Darby on a one-year ‘prove it’ deal, they shouldn’t hesitate to make that move.
At worst he’s a better depth piece than they had at any point last season, and the added competition helps push Witherspoon and Moseley to a new level. At best he returns to form as a high-quality starter for a season in an already very good secondary.
If the 49ers are bullish on either Witherspoon or Moseley though, bringing in Darby may not be an option. Those kind of signings aren’t a luxury San Francisco and their $13 million in salary cap space can afford. On the other hand, if they find themselves looking for a stop-gap at the position while they inject new talent into the defense, a player like Darby would be a perfect fit.
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