San Francisco 49ers: 4 Free Agent Corners Who Could Lift the 49ers' Offseason

The 49ers have been quiet since the lockout was lifted. Bringing in David Akers has been the biggest free agency "splash" for the 49ers thus far, which is a cause for concern, given the glaring holes the team has on its roster.

The 49ers' post-lockout offseason casualties include, but are not limited to, David Baas, Nate Clements, Joe Nedney and Takeo Spikes. Dashon Goldson, Manny Lawson and Aubrayo Franklin could very well be on their way out as well, which makes for uncertainty all over the field.

To make matters worse, Michael Crabtree is hurt and Frank Gore is holding out. Assuming Crabtree is available in Week 1 and the 49ers get a deal worked out with Gore, the offense seems to be in position to take a step, albeit small, in the right direction.

As for the defense? It's in shambles at the moment. The most glaring hole is at corner. Here are five guys who could fill the void.

Richard Marshall

Richard Marshall was a diamond in the rough last year for the Panthers. He's not a shutdown corner, but he's a legitimate starter.

At this point, having a legitimate starter at cornerback would be a big time upgrade.

Antonio Cromartie

This name would have never been put on any slideshow of mine a week ago. With Jonathan Joseph, Nnamdi Asomugha, Ike Taylor, Brandon Carr and Richard Marshall available, who would want to overpay for Antonio Cromartie?

Overpaying can be frustrating, but complacency is torture for fans. Cromartie is the best corner not named Nnamdi still on the market. Why not?

Brandon Carr

Brandon Carr may not be a household name, but he can certainly hold down the No. 1 corner spot for the 49ers.

Obviously he isn't their first choice, but if the 49ers don't want to throw a ton of money into a guy like Cromartie, they could go bargain hunting for Carr.

Even so, can you see him covering Larry Fitzgerald or Sydney Rice? It's suspect, though an improvement.

Nate Clements

I know, I know. Yes, I watched Nate Clements get handled by Vincent Jackson, Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe and pretty much every other decent receiver he went up against last year.

The 49ers released him because he wasn't willing to take a pay cut, but what if the price comes down on him? Clements is way overvalued, but the 49ers are approaching desperate times.

Is it possible that they would seek out Clements just after letting him walk? Time will tell.