Although the San Francisco 49ers should avoid signing a former Buffalo Bills star in free agency, they still need to strengthen their secondary.
Although Tre’Davious White has been a mainstay of the Buffalo defense, it might be too late for San Francisco to sign him. At least, that’s Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated’s opinion.
In a March 20 essay, Cohn discussed White as a fit, but it was obvious where he stood: the 49ers would be better off searching elsewhere.
However, White’s deal carries a significant risk because the 49ers require a player.
For the most of the season, they cannot afford to start a backup. They don’t want aging, injury-prone guys anymore, which is why they let go of Arik Armstead, Cohn said.
“Signing White would go against the 49ers’ offseason goal of strengthening their team’s durability.
A cornerback who hasn’t torn his Achilles would be better suited being drafted by the 49ers and developed.
The main thing holding White back from a move is his injury problems, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
He’s been among the finest in the NFL when healthy.
But in recent years, he hasn’t played football too much.
White Stars, Then Fights to Continue Playing Against Bills
After being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, White joined the Bills and quickly established himself as a vital member of the team.
White, who came in second for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, caused a fumble, deflected eighteen passes, and picked up four interceptions.
Additionally, White only improved, at least initially, according to Pro Football Reference.
Before erupting for an All-Pro performance in 2019, he added eight more PDs and two more interceptions in 2018.
White harassed quarterbacks on the other team, recording 17 passes defended and six interceptions.
In addition, he recorded two forced fumbles, four tackles for loss, and one sack for good measure.
White’s injury has struck a wall following three more interceptions and a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 while playing for the Bills. Just 21 games have been played by the former LSU star in the last three years.
His Achilles tear in 2023 is arguably the most serious, although his ACL tear in 2021 destroyed both that year and the 2022 season.
While neither of those injuries is ideal, it raises concerns when a player nearing his 30s sustains an Achilles injury.
It remains to be seen if White falters at all.
Until he takes the field once more, it won’t be apparent.
49ers and Former Colts DB are in talks
The 49ers are reportedly interested in former Indianapolis Colts safety Justin Blackmon, even though White is still an option. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Blackmon, 25, is going to San Francisco for his sixth NFL season.
On March 21, Schultz posted on X, “Free agent safety Julian Blackmon is visiting the #49ers today, sources tell @BleacherReport.” “After enjoying a career season with the #Colts, which included 4 INTs, Blackmon has several suitors.”
Blackmon just finished a historic year in which he set new records for tackles, interceptions, and passes defended. But like White, he too had an Achilles tear in the past, so the 49ers will need to keep an eye on that.
