Why ESPN believes cornerback is the 49ers’ biggest offseason need

The San Francisco 49ers have shown confidence in their current roster, choosing to avoid significant moves at the trade deadline, with several key players set to return from injury.

"And that's as good as any trade we could make because these guys are familiar with what we do, how we do it," general manager John Lynch recently noted.

After this season, the 49ers will look to maintain a competitive roster with some offseason moves, as they do every year. ESPN recently projected the biggest needs for each team, and for the 49ers, cornerback topped the list—primarily due to the potential departure of a key veteran.

"Charvarius Ward's contract will void in 2025, so he needs an extension or a replacement," wrote ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz. "He ranks 43rd out of 89 qualifying cornerbacks in coverage DVOA."

Schatz also highlighted that cornerbacks Isaac Yiadom, Rock Ya-Sin, and Ambry Thomas are slated to become free agents. However, he didn't mention Deommodore Lenoir, who will also be a free agent and could be one of the team's most significant offseason decisions. Lenoir has emerged as one of the team's top defensive players, showing star potential, and he's likely to attract considerable interest if he hits the open market.

If the 49ers turn to the draft to address their cornerback needs, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid suggested Shavon Revel Jr. of East Carolina as a promising fit.

"Despite suffering a torn ACL in September, Revel is still among the top cornerbacks in the 2025 class," Reid wrote. "His length (6-foot-3, 193 pounds) and change-of-direction skills are among the best in this draft class."

The 49ers selected Renardo Green in the second round this year, and the rookie has impressed, earning a defensive grade of 79.6 from Pro Football Focus—ranking him second among rookie cornerbacks and third among all rookie defensive backs.