San Francisco 49ers: Creating the Ideal Roster in 2017

Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30, bottom) score a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt

Free Safety: Eric Reid

One could make the argument the 49ers would be better by dropping defensive back Jimmie Ward to his natural safety position.

It’s a good one. But let’s save that move for 2018. Not now. We’ll keep him at the nickel position this season.

Instead, the Niners keep Eric Reid in the free safety position but move third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt to a full-time starting job at strong safety, where he can drop down into the box and add some run support when needed.

This would mean San Francisco parts ways with veteran safety Antoine Bethea this offseason, which would save the team $5.75 million in cap space for 2017.

Tartt would enter a make-or-break year. If he plays well enough, Tartt stays and pairs up with Ward in 2018.

If not, well, there’s your answer on where San Francisco needs upgrades a year from now.