The San Francisco 49ers currently own about $8 million in salary-cap space, per OverTheCap.com. That's not a lot of money for a team with several impending free agents to make a big splash this offseason. Still, that number could change with some creative contract restructures.
Last offseason, cornerback Charvarius Ward was the 49ers' big free agent signing, a move that paid off. Ward proved to be a legitimate starting cornerback, contributing in a big way to the NFL's top-ranked defense. Could San Francisco look to add another starting-caliber corner this offseason?
ESPN's Matt Bowen recently examined the best fits for 50 impending free agents and envisions the 49ers as a great landing spot for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton.
"Sutton will have multiple suitors given his flexibility to play in the slot; Tennessee, Atlanta, and Las Vegas all work here," wrote Bowen. "But with the number of 49ers defensive backs heading to free agency and Sutton's ability to cover in man and find the ball in zone, the fit works in San Francisco with new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Sutton posted three interceptions and 15 pass breakups for the Steelers in 2022, which were both career highs."
Those 49ers defensive backs headed for free agency include starter Emmanuel Moseley, who suffered a torn ACL during Week 5 this past season. San Francisco hopes Moseley remains with the team.
"He's a guy we'd have interest in bringing back because of the way he plays, but also what he stands for," general manager John Lynch said at the team's year-end press conference. "He's one of us, and we'd sure like to have him back."
Jimmie Ward, Tashaun Gipson, Jason Verrett, and Tarvarius Moore are the other 49ers defensive backs slated to become unrestricted free agents on March 15.
Sutton has started 31 games over the past two seasons with the Steelers and is considered to be among Pittsburgh's top in-house free agents. His 71.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade was the second-highest of his career (74.5 in 2019). The Steelers would reportedly love for Sutton to return, but OverTheCap.com currently lists the team as having $11,418 in salary-cap space.
