:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30019699/20140206_jla_al2_602.0.jpg)
The San Francisco 49ers reportedly brought in cornerback Chris Cook for a visit on Thursday, and it sounds like they are continuing their search for cornerback help. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond tweeted that he is headed to San Francisco to visit with the team.
Great visit with Gus and the Jaguars Organization, some good people. They're headed in the right direction. Now off to San Fran.
— walter thurmond III (@WaltThurm3) March 13, 2014
It's not surprising to hear Thurmond compliment Gus Bradley and the Jaguars. Bradley was his defensive coordinator for three seasons, and the Seahawks have been plenty complimentary of him. It's interesting that he left Jacksonville without a contract. The Jaguars have already added former Seahawks Chris Clemons and Red Bryant.
Thurmond started four games for the Seahawks in 2013, playing all over the field, but getting the bulk of his work as the slot corner. According to Pro Football Focus, the overall QB rating against Thurmond was 74.9. When Thurmond was in the slot, the rating dropped to 69.5. He gave up a reception for every 8.8 snaps in coverage in the slot. For comparison's sake, Carlos Rogers gave up a reception every 11.6 snaps in coverage. It's easy to dog Rogers, but according to PFF, he was tied for best in the league in most snaps for each reception while in the slot.
Thurmond has had some problems staying on the field, which is one reason he is slipping through the cracks to some extent. After playing 14 games his rookie season, Thurmond broke his fibula and ankle in 2011, and missed the final ten games of the season. He opened 2012 on the PUP list, and ended up playing two games. He was finally healthy in 2013, and then sat four games after testing positive for marijuana.
Given the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, it's not surprising that the above tweet resulted in some stupid and ugly responses.
It's never personal its business, just how the Hawks let red and everyone else walk. Obviously there is a reason I haven't signed back yet.
— walter thurmond III (@WaltThurm3) March 13, 2014
People need to chill, I haven't made a decision. It's a visit. You know like college recruiting,same thing smh
— walter thurmond III (@WaltThurm3) March 13, 2014
First off, 49ers fans can't take a holier than thou attitude on this kind of thing. I think many of us here at NN are level-headed enough, but fans in general can act pretty childish about this kind of thing. It leads to my favorite Internet hashtag: #Trader. Poor spelling on Twitter is always fun.
For now though, this is just a visit. I'm curious to see what kind of contract Thurmond ends up with, wherever he goes. The 49ers are not one to unload big contracts on outside free agents, but he's proven to be a strong nickel presence. I'm still fine rolling the dice on a younger option, but if they can get a reasonable deal with Thurmond, make it happen.