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Cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Now is the time for the 49ers to go all-in to land Broncos star

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/31/23

Through the first five weeks of the season, the San Francisco 49ers looked the part of a Super Bowl favorite.

Over the last three weeks, as Brock Purdy has looked like an average quarterback and the secondary has struggled to stop the likes of Amari Cooper, Jordan Addison and Ja’Marr Chase, the 49ers look much less invincible than they did a few weeks ago.

Though the 49ers rank fifth in scoring defense and eighth in total defense, they rank 18th against the pass and have allowed the 11th-highest completion percentage in the NFL, which is why San Francisco should push its chips to the center and go all-in on acquiring Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who could reportedly be had for the right price.

"I continue to be told anyone in Denver can be had, and that would include star young cornerback Patrick Surtain II,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported.

Weekly tweet: The 49ers need to add a cornerback at the trade deadline
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 29, 2023

Dealing for Surtain II will be costly (likely a first-round pick plus more), but it makes sense for a number of reasons.

Cornerback is arguably San Francisco’s biggest need, and Surtain II is already one of the league’s best shutdown CBs and he’s only 23. He’s also under team control through 2024 with a fifth-year option on the table, and he could be a long-term piece for Kyle Shanahan to build his defense around.

The 49ers have a bevy of 2024 draft picks to work with (12 in total, including three thirds, plus two picks in Rounds 4, 5 and 7). Surtain II is far better than any player they would likely land in the No. 25-32 range, and he’s certainly worth parting with a second- or third-rounder as well to make a deal happen.

The 49ers have been burned several times this season in the secondary, and they’ve allowed too many big games to too many receivers — Cooper (four receptions, 108 yards), Addison (seven receptions, 123 yards, two touchdowns), Chase (10 receptions, 100 yards, one touchdown), Puka Nacua (15 receptions, 147 yards), Michael Wilson (seven receptions, 76 yards, two touchdowns).

Things will only get worse in the playoffs when they have to deal with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, CeeDee Lamb, D.K. Metcalf, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Drake London and Chris Olave.

In coverage, Surtain II has allowed a 59.9 completion percentage against with 32 passes defensed and seven interceptions across his career. Quarterbacks have an 81.2 passer rating when targeting him, well below the NFL average of 93.6.

Of the three CBs to play 100 or more coverage snaps for the 49ers, Charvarius Ward is the only one to allow a completion percentage below 60 and have multiple pass breakups. Additionally, the 49ers have two linebackers — Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw — who rank fifth and sixth, respectively, in coverage snaps this season.

Adding Surtain II would not only strengthen the secondary but also allow San Francisco to not have to rely on its LBs in coverage, which would free them up to pitch in more in run support.

The 49ers already have one of the best rosters in football, adding Surtain II could put them over the top.

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