Just now, the 49ers signed this outstanding pro bowl running back, who is widely regarded as a top pick by all NFL teams.
The San Francisco 49ers prioritized depth over flash in their approach, making several acquisitions during the first wave of free agency.
By accomplishing this, the 49ers have put themselves in a strong position going into the 2024 NFL Draft, which will be important for the team’s capacity to compete in the future as well as its immediate success.
Two weeks into free agency, a handful of great players are still waiting to be signed, so San Francisco may not be done with free agency yet.
The safety position is one that hasn’t really developed, as seen by the fact that last week, quality players like Kam Curl settled for a two-year, $9 million contract.
Should the 49ers look to take advantage of the market and pursue a safety in free agency, given that starting quarterback Talanoa Hufanga suffered an ACL injury and there’s doubt about who could fill the job as a free safety?
The alternatives that are left
While certain safety measures have been eliminated, the alternatives that are still available are nonetheless fascinating.
Among them are players like Ryan Neal, Terrell Edmunds, Julian Blackmon, Jayron Kearse, Eddie Jackson, Justin Simmons, and more.
Although most of the aforementioned names are in their 30s, alternatives like Terrell Burgess or Blackmon are only 25 years old, and the 49ers have already expressed interest in the former by inviting him in for a visit last week.
Now that Ji’Ayir Brown was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and Kyle Shanahan expects Talanoa Hufanga to return for training camp, safety isn’t always a top priority.
San Francisco also signed George Odum to a $10 million, two-year contract extension, locking up their best special team player for the foreseeable future.
Hufanga suffered a significant injury, though, and the 49ers don’t really have a true strong safety on their roster right now.
San Francisco may get the depth they need at safety by bringing in a player like Blackmon, who finished 2023 with four interceptions and eight pass breakups. Blackmon would also bring more youth and versatility to the team.
Even if Blackmon hasn’t been the finest tackler in his career, Brown and Hufanga should be given preference when it comes to tackles near the line of scrimmage.
Although his ball skills have proven to be dependable in the past with the Indianapolis Colts, the team would instead rely on his speed and range in the backend.
Blackmon might be available for a low cost on a short-term deal given the state of the safety market, giving the 49ers some salary space before the 2024 NFL Draft.
Though he has missed five games in the last two seasons, Justin Simmons, who is thirty years old and still plays at a high level, is the ultimate splash in case San Francisco would rather have a more experienced veteran.
However, given how oversaturated the market is right now, the 49ers should seize the chance if they want to offer the safety room more depth and adaptability.
