49ers have big question to answer besides Brock Purdy contract extension

The 49ers' offseason focus has been on the Brock Purdy contract extension.

They've still got another main need to address, though. 

The Sporting News' senior NFL writer Vinnie Iyer has singled out cornerback as the 49ers' priority the rest of the way in free agency.

"The 49ers lost Charvarius Ward, and corner was the one position they didn't focus on replenishing after their mass defensive exodus in free agency," Iyer writes. "They should think about veteran mercenary Stephon Gilmore."

Gilmore would be a solid pickup. He started consistently for the Vikings in 2024.

The 49ers can't shell out a ton of money, given the pending extensions for Purdy and Fred Warner. Those will go along with new rich guy Kittle to fill up the 49ers' outgoing check book in a hurry.

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Gilmore would likely come relatively cheap at this point.

The 49ers could also pursue someone like Rasul Douglas, who was solid the last couple of seasons for the Bills.

Whatever they do, action is better than inaction.

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If San Francisco indeed shells out the big money for Purdy, they'll have to prioritize balancing things out to the defense just a bit. Somehow, it all needs to work together.

Only with a franchise QB and a strong defense can the 49ers get to where they want to go and wind up.

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