The San Francisco 49ers are expressing interest in Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Desir, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. NFL teams can negotiate with player agents and even agree to terms on new deals but nothing can become official until Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT.
In addition to Roby, #49ers showing interest in Colts CB Pierre Desir. At 6-1, he fits the size parameters the team wants at the position.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 11, 2019
The 49ers were expected to look at the cornerback market in free agency. The team made a big splash in 2018 with the signing of former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who performed admirably last season.
The same cannot be said for the position opposite Sherman, where second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon struggled for much of the season. His season ended after suffering a sprained posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) during Week 15. Tarvarius Moore started each of the final two games of the season.
General manager John Lynch said in December that he envisions a competition for that spot across from Sherman.
"We're extremely excited about Tarvarius," Lynch said. "He got an opportunity to go play, and I think he showed some really good things. But I think that's going to be great competition between he and Ahkello."
Lynch went on to say that the 49ers could add more players to that competition in free agency or the draft.
Desir is 28 years old.
The Cleveland Browns made Desir a fourth-round selection out of Lindenwood Washburn in 2014. He registered 79 combined tackles, eight passes defensed, an interception, and two forced fumbles through 16 games and 12 starts with the Colts in 2018. Desir has recorded 160 combined tackles, 23 passes defensed, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles through his five NFL seasons. He also spent part of the 2016 season with the San Diego Chargers.