49ers expected to target Super Bowl-winning cornerback in free agency

Speculation surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' secondary intensified at the NFL Scouting Combine after Dan Graziano and Ben Solak of ESPN reported that the team could explore a trade involving starting cornerback Renardo Green.

Graziano estimated there is an 80% chance the 49ers move on from the 25-year-old former second-round pick, identifying the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles as potential suitors.

"He is still only 25 and would have value in a trade," Graziano wrote. "The Niners have a new defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris, and the 2024 second-round pick might not be a scheme fit. Green has just one interception in two NFL seasons, and he seemed to fall out of favor a bit with the coaching staff at times last season."

With questions surrounding Green's long-term fit, league chatter suggests the 49ers could pursue an upgrade in free agency.

Riq Woolen emerges as potential 49ers target

According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, there was an expectation in Indianapolis that the 49ers might target Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency.

"If Riq Woolen doesn't re-sign with the Seahawks, several NFL executives and coaches think the 49ers will have interest in the 6-foot-4 cornerback," Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported. "Woolen had some ups and downs winning a ring in Seattle, but was pretty consistent locking down receivers, has speed, and is only 27."

Of course, any potential pursuit would depend on cost.

"He wouldn't be cheap — The Athletic had him No. 26 in our free-agent rankings with a price tag of four years and $76 million — but would be an improvement over Renardo Green," Barrows added.

The Seahawks selected Woolen in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he started all 17 games as a rookie, earning Pro Bowl honors after recording six interceptions. However, production has declined in recent seasons.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Woolen's coverage grade declined from 75.0 in 2023 to 62.4 in 2025. He has also surrendered six touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, per PFF.

Meanwhile, the 49ers may be souring on Green.

Barrows noted, "The last time we saw Green, Shanahan was yelling at him on the sidelines of the playoff loss to the Seahawks."