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Predicting What the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup Looks Like in 2018

By Peter Panacy

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Free Safety: Jimmie Ward

Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt

Veteran safety Antoine Bethea isn’t going to be with the 49ers in 2018, and he easily could be a cut candidate this offseason. The 32-year-old veteran has just one more year remaining on his current contract.

The bigger question will be with fellow safety Eric Reid, whose fifth-year option expires at the end of 2017.

Reid has just one Pro Bowl to his name — his rookie 2013 season. And it might be time for San Francisco to move defensive back Jimmie Ward from cornerback to his natural safety position. Safety Jaquiski Tartt, hopefully assuming he improves his prowess this year, moves into a starting strong safety role.

This pushes Reid out of the picture, who likely departs via free agency once 2017 is finished.