The Niners could be in the mix for a recently released cornerback.
Another big name hit free agency on Monday, as the Green Bay Packers released former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander after seven seasons with the team.
Of course, whenever a big-name player hits free agency, they’re naturally tied to the San Francisco 49ers, so let’s evaluate the fit and how realistic an actual move can be.
The 49ers lost top cornerback Charvarius Ward to free agency this offseason, as the Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts. However, that move was heavily expected after San Francisco extended rising star Deommodore Lenoir to a five-year, $92 million deal during the season.
San Francisco planned ahead for the eventual departure of one of their top cornerbacks, drafting Renardo Green in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Green ended up as a starter for half the season last year, playing on the outside opposite Ward, while Lenoir occupied the slot.
This offseason, the 49ers made minimal moves at cornerback, with their most notable addition being Tre Brown from the Seattle Seahawks. However, Brown only played in 13 games last season while dealing with an ankle injury, prompting him to play in just 34 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Brown also only signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal with the team in free agency, so that didn’t preclude them from making other moves at the position. In the draft, San Francisco added nickel cornerback Upton Stout in the third round, potentially making way for Lenoir to play on the outside alongside Green.
However, Jaire Alexander’s release could be something the 49ers consider, as they don’t have much depth at outside cornerback. Interestingly enough, Bookies.com veteran oddsmaker Adam Thompson has the 49ers as the favorites in the Alexander sweepstakes at +400.
That’s tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for the best odds to sign the two-time Pro Bowler, while the Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins follow at +550 and +600 odds.
“The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders are atop the list of teams with a massive need at CB and the cap space to add such a talent,” Thompson wrote. “Only the Patriots and Lions have more cap space than the Niners, while the Raiders also have more than enough and a big goal of improving quickly.”
While Alexander is a quality player when healthy, that caveat is a big one. Alexander has played in only 14 games over the past two seasons, dealing with shoulder and knee injuries.
Although he’s only 28, the 49ers have looked to shy away from injury-prone players this offseason, moving off several veterans and going the younger route at a number of positions.
Their investment in Lenoir, Green, and now Stout only furthers the mindset of getting younger at cornerback, so adding Alexander might conflict with both their short and long-term plan.
Of course, any conversation would have to be predicated on cost, but there are several teams who need a cornerback, and Alexander can fill that hole.
The 49ers should definitely have the conversation, and it’s interesting their projected odds are among the top for the cornerback. But, the timeline and Alexander’s injury history may prompt them to shy away from an addition here.