We look at a few different names, including a former Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley safety
During his post-draft press conference, general manager John Lynch said, “We’ll see. We’re always looking to improve our team,” when asked about potentially adding somebody as a free agent now that free agents aren’t counted against teams’ compensatory formula.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted two drafted “inside” players and signed Jason Pinnock, Siran Neal, and Richie Grant in free agency. Those off-season investments make sense in light of a report over the weekend indicating that Malik Mustapha may miss the start of the 2025 regular season.
Pinnock started for the New York Giants the past two seasons at safety. Richie Grant started for the Falcons in 2022 and 2023 but lost his job in 2024. How often do (bad) teams let quality starters like Pinnock walk in free agency? Pinnock signing a deal worth $2.2 million fully guaranteed tells us what the NFL thinks about his prospects.
So, if Mustapha misses anywhere from a month to two months, should the 49ers sign a veteran safety or rely on a third or fifth-round pick combined with a couple of veteran safeties who their teams let walk?
The 49ers don’t have to make any decision today, tomorrow, or by the end of the week. It would be wise to see what they have in Upton Stout and Marques Sigle. If they can hold the fort down while Mustapha is sidelined, signing a veteran when a rookie can earn valuable playing time would be detrimental to their development.
Let’s look at a couple of names who could help the 49ers if they feel like their current cast of safeties isn’t up to par.
Jordan Whitehead
Whitehead would be the most seamless transition. He started every game under Robert Saleh in New York in 2022 and 2023. Whitehead’s play took a step back last season in Tampa Bay, but his usage changed. If anybody knows how to put Whitehead in a position to succeed, it’s Saleh.
The Buccaneers elected not to pick up Whitehead’s option. Whitehead dealt with a torn pectoral muscle in 2024, which led him to miss multiple games, including Tampa Bay’s playoff game. On January 4, Whitehead was involved in an automobile accident on his way to the team facility that caused him to be placed on a non-football injury. The only information to come from the accident was Whitehead’s agent saying he was “ahead of schedule.”
Justin Simmons
Simmons played 98 percent of the defensive snaps for the Atlanta Falcons last year. He has a particular role where he thrives, and that’s free safety. Unfortunately, the same is true for Ji’Ayir Brown. While they can play there, neither player gets better the closer they are to the line of scrimmage.
Simmons is far from a sure tackler, which might scare the 49ers away from him. In 2024, Simmons missed a tackle attempt on nearly 26 percent of his opportunities. That’s how you end up with explosive plays from the offense. Again, the name recognition is there, but I’d rather see a youth movement than Simmons get an opportunity.
Julian Blackmon
Blackmon played under 49ers assistant head coach and then Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley from 2022 to 2024. Like Whitehead, the familiarity is there. Last March, Blackmon visited 49ers headquarters during free agency before ultimately returning to the Colts on a one-year deal.
Blackmon has battled an injury narrative. He missed Week 2, which was his 18th missed game due to injury. Instead of undergoing surgery, Blackmon elected to continue playing through the injury with a caveat.
Bradley moved Blackmon from strong safety to free safety. The thought process was playing closer to the line of scrimmage would accelerate another injury and potentially rip the rotator cuff entirely. That toughness could be relayed to the Niners’ brass by Bradley. That position change was the first time Blackmon played 16 games for the first time in his five-year career. To his credit, Blackmon had played in at least 14 games in each season.
Blackmon feels like he could be the ideal stopgap while Mustapha recovers. In a perfect world, Blackmon would remain healthy and give the 49ers a dynamic duo at safety. He’ll turn 27 this summer. He’d be my choice if the 49ers went the veteran route.