© Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers wasted no time making a splash during the NFL’s first day of legal tampering. The team reportedly plans to sign Kwon Alexander to a four-year, $54 million with $27 million guaranteed. His $13.5 million in annual salary is the most expensive for an inside linebacker in NFL history.
It was the start of an active day. Reports have circulated that the 49ers are interested in former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Pierre Desir (via The Athletic‘s Matt Barrows) and former Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (via the NFL Network’s James Palmer). The 49ers are looking to add a veteran cornerback opposite Richard Sherman.
Desir would be the home-run choice. Standing at 6-foot-1 with 33-inch arms, Desir fits the prototype for 49ers’ cornerbacks. He played the best football of his career, ranking as Pro Football Focus’ No. 18 cornerback, in 2018. He totaled 79 tackles, one interception, and eight passes defended.
Roby struggled in 2018, his first season as a full-time starter after waiting behind Pro Bowlers Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. Roby allowed completions on nearly 66 percent of targets. He ranked as PFF’s No. 97 overall cornerback.
In addition to Alexander and the two cornerbacks, the 49ers were reportedly in the hunt to sign veteran defensive end Terrell Suggs, but the Arizona Cardinals plucked him away.