San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dream targets in 2021 NFL free agency
By Xavier Dixon
San Francisco 49ers dream free agency target No. 3: Xavier Rhodes, CB
The defensive back room is a major question for San Francisco coming into next year. No cornerback who started a game last year is signed for 2021. However, re-signing Jason Verrett and pairing him with veteran Xavier Rhodes would put NFC West wide receivers in a bind.
Rhodes regressed and was hampered by injuries in 2019 after five consecutive years with 10-plus pass deflections. Thus, he signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Colts and found his form once again. Now entering his ninth season, Rhodes is likely eyeing the last big contract of his career.
The 49ers need a game-changer in the secondary and Rhodes could be the missing piece. Verrett and Rhodes together could be a cornerstone for the defense to be great around. Securing defensive backs for 2021 is a top priority for the 49ers, especially in the NFC West with the quality pass-catchers they must face in addition to having a first-year defensive coordinator in DeMeco Ryans.
If San Francisco doesn’t address the cornerback spot in the offseason, then free agency and/or the draft would be a failure. Rhodes should be the top veteran target in the 49ers’ eyes as he would be a great asset for what they want and need to do.