Hufanga might be moved to linebacker in the nickel defense, putting three safeties on the field at once, if that’s the 49ers’ intention.
It appeared as though Ji’Ayir Brown and Talanoa Hufanga would be the 49ers’ starting safety tandem for many years to come when they were selected by the team in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Seemingly not.
The 49ers spoke with safety Rayshawn Jenkins a few weeks ago, and they visited with free agent Julian Blackmon this week. which indicates without a doubt that the 49ers are looking for another starting free safety. Considering that Jenkings finally received a two-year, $12 million contract with the Seahawks, I’m assuming they’re not proposing a big contract. Which likely means the 49ers are offering a one- or two-year contract for $3 million to $4 million on average, which is about what they paid Tashaun Gipson, a starting free safety, during the previous two seasons.
It appears highly likely that the 49ers will select a safety early in the draft if they don’t add one in free agency. After that, they will have three options for safety.
Hufanga might be moved to linebacker in the nickel defense, putting three safeties on the field at once, if that’s the 49ers’ intention. De’Vondre Campbell, the 49ers’ starting weakside linebacker right now, does a mediocre job stopping the run but struggles with pass coverage. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have previously used safety at linebacker, most notably when they shifted Eric Reid to that position in 2017.
The 49ers might also be planning to trade Hufanga. Given that he was an All Pro in 2022 and is available for a contract extension this offseason, he might theoretically demand a high salary. In addition, the 49ers might move Hufanga to a team that wishes to extend his deal in order to add a cheap player in free agency or the draft if they don’t want to give him a big contract.
Watch the 49ers’ scramble for safety. It appears to be ongoing.
