The 49ers are interested in a cornerback.
The 49ers are interested in any and all cornerbacks.
When the Kansas City Chiefs began shopping cornerback Marcus Peters, the 49ers did all the investigation one would expect from a team with a specific and urgent need at the position.
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However, the 49ers did not make an offer to the Chiefs, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Friday. The Los Angeles Rams and Chiefs reportedly agreed on a deal that will become official at the beginning of the new league year on March 14.
Peters, 25, for all his talent and production, comes with reasons to make Kansas City, a team for which he played three seasons, want to ship him to another location. Peters was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2015. He has earned trips to the Pro Bowl in two of his first three seasons while producing 19 interceptions and six forced fumbles in 45 games.
Peters came into the NFL with question marks after Washington coach Chris Peterson kicked him off the team during his junior season in college. Last season, Kansas City coach Andy Reid suspended Peters for a game late in the season as the Chiefs were pursuing a playoff spot.
One thing is certain this offseason: The 49ers will be connected with every cornerback on the market, including soon-to-be Rams free agent Trumaine Johnson.
San Francisco 49ers
Johnson, 28, figures to be one of the more attractive on the market during the early negotiating period of March 12-14. Johnson (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) is a six-year veteran who has recorded 18 interceptions.
The 49ers recently visited with veteran cornerback Vontae Davis, whom the Indianapolis Colts released last season. Davis is coming off groin surgery.
Cornerback arguably likely ranks as the 49ers’ biggest need this offseason. The club feels good about the progress of Ahkello Witherspoon, who began his rookie season inactive for the first four games. Witherspoon quickly developed into the team’s best cornerback.
The 49ers deemed cornerback Rashard Robinson was a disappointment on and off the field, and he was traded to the New York Jets. Dontae Johnson started all 16 games at right cornerback, but his play took a downward turn late in the season.
The 49ers are not expected to place a priority on re-signing Johnson as a free agent. K'Waun Williams returns as the 49ers' starting nickel back, but he is not considered an option to start at cornerback.
The other 49ers cornerbacks under contract for the 2018 season are Greg Mabin, Tyvis Powell and Channing Stribling.