When it comes to outspoken players on the San Francisco 49ers, star cornerback Deommodore Lenoir immediately comes to mind as a player who isn’t afraid to share his thoughts.
Lenoir has never shied away from social media, often engaging in battles with opponents, and has proven himself when tested on the field. The 49ers have clearly seen the budding star as a key building block for the future, signing Lenoir to a five-year, $89.8 million extension last season.
Now, the cornerback is looking to make his mark in 2025, hoping to continue his ascent as a top cornerback in the NFL.
“I’m going to be the best corner in the league this year,” Lenoir boldly said on The Richard Sherman Podcast.
Lenoir has been tasked with playing a multitude of roles in San Francisco, being a predominant nickel corner in 2024 before shifting to the outside for the upcoming season. With Charvarius Ward’s departure to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency, the 25-year-old is now assuming the 49ers’ top cornerback spot.
Still, he doesn’t believe he’s getting the respect he deserves.
“I still feel like I don’t get that respect of a person that’s been in the league five years, who only gave up three touchdowns,” Lenoir said. “[My mindset is] just being a lockdown corner. I feel like I’ve transitioned to this role to be this CB1. What’s needed for a CB1 is usually to shut down the best receiver, and I feel like I’ve just been ready for that challenge since I made a name for myself in this league.”
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh raved about Lenoir’s mentality last week when talking to the media, as the cornerback doesn’t back down from anything thrown at him.
“I was just telling [Saleh] that I’m ready for any challenge,” Lenoir continued. “If it’s gotta be 99 plays in man or 99 in zone, I’m willing to back up anything I put out there.”
That hasn’t changed despite getting the long-term extension, as Lenoir now has his eyes set on even bigger goals: making the Pro Bowl, being an All-Pro, and winning a Super Bowl.
“I feel the money didn’t change me. I’ve always had the love of the game. I’ve always played this game with just love and just pure want-to. Some people, they just wake up and they say it, but actions speak louder than words. I’m more one of them guys that just likes to work. I’d rather come in and work and prove my worth.”
The cornerback has now ascended into the ‘veteran’ of the room, with Charvarius Ward and other mainstays now elsewhere. He’ll spearhead a group that also includes second-year pro Renardo Green and 2025 third-round pick Upton Stout, who is trending to start at nickel.
While D.K. Metcalf is no longer in the division, Lenoir is still striving for major goals, and he’ll need to have another big season to help turn around a 49ers’ defense that faced its fair share of inconsistencies last year.
The secondary has been completely revamped, with Lenoir being the lone full-time starter to return from 2024. Now, it’s time to see if he can take the next step and ascend even higher in 2025.
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