Cornerback is arguably the 49ers’ biggest need heading into the 2018 offseason.
While the free agency period doesn’t begin until March 14, San Francisco reportedly already has their eye on former Raiders cornerback David Amerson according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Because Amerson was released by Oakland before the end of the season, he is one of the few players team’s can sign right now. Amerson has already visited with the Bears and Texans and reportedly has other meetings lined up.
Amerson, 26, is a big corner at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, and fits the profile of the type of cornerback defensive coordinator Robert Salah wants in his scheme. Amerson was a second-round pick by Washington in 2013, and joined the Raiders in 2015. Amerson had a strong 2015 season in Oakland, and was named as Pro Football Focus’ Most Improved Player of the Year, helping him earn four-year, $35 million contract with $17.5 million guaranteed. The Raiders released Amerson after an injury plagued 2017, where he missed 10 games with a foot injury.
The 49ers enter the 2018 offseason with Ahkello Witherspoon, Greg Mabin, and K’Waun Williams as their only cornerbacks under contract. Witherspoon, a third-round pick in last year’s draft, is expected to be one of the team’s starting cornerbacks on opening day.