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San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Look at Position Needs for 2018

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) runs after a catch against San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) and Jimmie Ward (25) at AT&T Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cowboys 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) runs after a catch against San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) and Jimmie Ward (25) at AT&T Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cowboys 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Strong Safety

The 49ers picked up the team option on defensive back Jimmie Ward, so he’ll be around through the 2018 season.

Ward is expected to move from cornerback to free safety, which alleviates this need to a large extent. And if his next two seasons go well, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners extend him even longer.

But strong safety Eric Reid is entering a contract year, and it’s hard to envision any scenario in which the 49ers re-sign him. And unless backup safety Jaquiski Tartt makes huge strides in 2017, it’s likely this will be a major position of focus a year from now.

Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor may be the biggest name on the free-agent market. And considering Seattle’s cap restraints, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him walk. If not Chancellor, Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett would be a solid target. Same goes for Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward.

Jordan Whitehead out of Pittsburgh and Florida State’s Jerwin Williams may also be NFL Draft prospects to watch on San Francisco’s radar here.