Why the 49ers Next Free Agent Signing Will be a Safety

Cornerback is likely wrapped up for the 49ers in free agency, which means they could turn their full attention towards safety.

Nov 12, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) and / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback has clearly been an area that the San Francisco 49ers wanted to spruce up this offseason.

Three players have been signed at the position, which most likely means the 49ers are done addressing it in free agency. The 49ers could also be done with free agency in general, but they will always have their eye out for players.

One position that they will have their eye closely on is at safety. It has been reported that the 49ers would like to bring in an adequate talent. That is why they held a visit with Indianapolis Colts safety Justin Blackmon. A deal couldn't come to fruition, so the 49ers need an alternative.

As of now, there are still plenty of fine candidates in free agency to choose from at safety. At some point, the 49ers will inevitably sign a safety. The more those players are out on the market, especially the headliners like Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Micah Hyde, and such, the more their number should come down on a contract.

This will play into the 49ers' favor to be able to sign one of them. Although, drafting a safety could be where they are looking at now, but it seems a more plug and play safety is ideal. Talanoa Hufanga is a questionable player at this point as he makes his return off a torn ACL.

This is part of why the 49ers are looking at safety, and also because they might not be too comfortable with Hufanga as a player in general. The NFL draft in a couple of weeks is also an option if the 49ers are looking long-term, especially if they view Hufanga leaving them in free agency next year.

Either way, the 49ers will address safety one way or another. I'd anticipate both a free agent signing and a player getting drafted.