In his final Combine wrap-up, Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst talked a little bit about free agency and what he’s heard. I don’t give credence to very many rumors, especially around the combine, but I know he, at the very least, doesn’t outright make things up. There are two things in particular that should interest San Francisco 49ers fans.
The first is a big one: Pauline states “the belief is that Andrew Norwell to the New York Giants is a ‘done deal.’” He also reiterates a previous report that the 49ers are the likely landing spot for cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and that the Oakland Raiders want him, but can’t compete with San Francisco’s cap space.
There’s also notes about Kirk Cousins, Anthony Hitchens and Dontari Poe. But we’re going to talk about the first two things.
Norwell is the top guard on the market, by far. That said, some consider him a little overrated, and the contract he’ll likely receive is going to be among the highest-paid at his position. I tend to think he’s worth it, but if this report is to believed, he’s already been tampered with and a deal is done
Legal tampering may not start for a few days, but it’s been happening for awhile.
The bit about the 49ers doesn’t actually imply tampering, though I’m sure every team in the league has done it in some form. This report is just re-confirming the earlier one that the 49ers and Raiders would likely compete for Johnson, and while no deal has been agreed to, the 49ers have more to offer and have plenty of interest.
Should be an interesting few days ...