It appears the 49ers and Raiders may be going head-to-head for one of the best cornerbacks available in free agency.
Rams corner Trumaine Johnson is expected to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent next week when teams can begin talking with agents. And, with both the 49ers and Raiders interested in upgrading at cornerback, each franchise apparently is interested in making Johnson an offer, reported Jon Becker of the Bay Area News Group.
Tony Pauline of Draftanalyst.com also reported from the NFL combine in Indianapolis that San Francisco could have the edge in the quest for Johnson because they have more room under the salary cap.
"If the Raiders lose out on Johnson, they may turn to Patrick Robinson of the Eagles, who will be a much cheaper option," wrote Pauline, who noted, though, that the Arizona Cardinals also are interested in Robinson.
If the 49ers don’t land Johnson, one report has them thinking the Bears' Kyle Fuller could be a Plan B addition.
Though Rams head coach Sean McVay said at the combine that he would like Johnson to return, it’s been reported that isn’t likely after a trade for Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters. The Rams may not be able to afford both.
The website Sportrac.com, that keeps track of NFL salaries, projects Johnson will sign a deal to pay him about $13.6 million per year.
Local
In 15 games in 2017 for the Rams, Johnson had two interceptions and was in on 65 tackles.
