The 49ers enter this offseason with a clear priority: strengthening a secondary that struggled to keep pace with the NFC’s top offenses. After a 12‑win season that ended with a disappointing playoff loss to Seattle, the team has turned its attention to finding reliable help at cornerback. With free agency approaching, San Francisco is expected to be active in pursuing upgrades, and two names have already surfaced as potential targets.
According to league reports, the 49ers have shown interest in Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen and Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown. Both players are drawing attention from multiple teams, but San Francisco’s need at the position makes them one of the more logical suitors.
Why the 49ers Are Prioritizing Cornerback Help
San Francisco has spent the past two seasons trying to stabilize the cornerback room. The team used Day 2 draft picks on Renardo Green in 2024 and Upton Stout in 2025, and they signed Deommodore Lenoir to a five‑year, $89.8 million extension in 2024.
Pro Football Focus graded Green near the bottom of qualified corners in 2025, highlighting the gap between what the 49ers hoped he would become and what he delivered on the field. The playoff loss to Seattle only reinforced the issue. The Seahawks attacked the perimeter throughout the game, and the 49ers never found a steady answer.
With the NFC West loaded with big receivers and vertical passing attacks, San Francisco knows it cannot enter 2026 without meaningful upgrades at cornerback.
Riq Woolen Emerges As A High‑End Target
If Seattle allows Riq Woolen to reach free agency, he will be one of the most sought‑after defensive players available. Woolen’s mix of size, length, and straight‑line speed gives him the kind of profile coaches don’t see often, and it’s a big part of why he’s on so many teams’ radar.
Seattle leaned on him during its Super Bowl run, trusting him in high‑leverage matchups, and he held up against some of the league’s bigger, more physical receivers.Woolen is expected to command a significant contract, with projections hovering around 4 years and over $70 million. That price tag won’t scare off the 49ers, who have shown a willingness to invest in premium defensive positions.
The bonus of signing a standout player away from a division rival only adds intrigue to the possibility. Seattle is expected to make an effort to keep Woolen, but the 49ers have the cap flexibility and the motivation to make a competitive offer if he becomes available.
Montaric Brown Offers A Younger, Ascending Option
While Woolen is the headline name, Montaric Brown represents a different kind of opportunity. Brown, 26, played his best football with Jacksonville last season and has drawn interest from several teams, including the 49ers. His physical style and steady coverage ability make him a strong fit for San Francisco’s defensive approach.
Brown would likely come at a lower cost than Woolen, which could appeal to a team that already has Lenoir under contract and two recent draft picks developing behind him. He may not be the splash signing that grabs national attention, but he offers the kind of reliability and upside that could elevate the overall performance of the secondary.
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