Many fans and analysts would agree that an impactful pass rusher is the San Francisco 49ers' biggest need. Verhei went in a different direction, saying that the secondary is the most important area to fill. He notes that the 49ers defense ranked last on throws to the side of the field opposite cornerback Richard Sherman, who was by far the secondary's best player last season.
The defensive unit also ranked No. 19 or worse against No. 1 wide receivers, No. 2 receivers, all other wideouts, tight ends, and running backs, according to Football Outsiders' analytics. It also ranked No. 27 against short passes and No. 30 against deep passes.
Verhei notes that safety Jaquiski Tartt performed well despite playing just eight games in 2018 and eventually landing on injured reserve with a shoulder injury while Adrian Colbert struggled before suffering a season-ending high-ankle injury in October.
"Jimmie Ward, Antone Exum, and Greg Mabin are free agents, and John Lynch should just thank them for their time and let them walk," writes Verhei.
How should the 49ers address the secondary issues? The Football Outsiders feature suggests the team sign safeties Earl Thomas and Landon Collins, as well as cornerback Morris Claiborne. Then Verhei suggests the 49ers trade for Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Thomas will be a highly-sought free agent. Peterson requested a trade in October but retracted the request days later. He told ESPN in January that he'll honor his contract, which runs through 2020.
Football Outsiders doesn't completely ignore the 49ers' need for a pass rusher and suggests the team address the position with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers draft watch: College Football Playoff prospects who could shape San Francisco's future
Now that we know the San Francisco 49ers are in the playoffs, The Faithful are assured of at least two more games. We will tune in wearing our game gear at least into the second week of January. The other football being played at that time, though, is the College Football... -
49ers legend Frank Gore becomes finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame
San Francisco 49ers legend Frank Gore is one step closer to pro football immortality. The NFL's third all-time leading rusher was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the league announced Tuesday. Gore joins a group of... -
Falcons request interview with 49ers executive for President of Football role
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch is once again seeing key members of his front office draw interest from around the NFL. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons have requested permission to interview 49ers director of scouting and football... -
49ers mailbag: More two TE sets with Jake Tonges? Will Trent Williams play Saturday? What are the rules for signing players from teams not in postseason?
This is a big week for the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. The winner of the game will be crowned NFC West Champions and will have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. So it's a huge game. For the 49ers, it's...