Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 3 trades to explore making this 2018 offseason

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 08: Justin Hardy #16 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 08: Justin Hardy #16 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The 49ers have a bit of a logjam at safety heading into 2018. Initially, the thought was Jimmie Ward would occupy the free safety spot, while Eric Reid would bump down to strong safety.

But Ward was lost to a broken forearm halfway through the season, making last year the third time in four seasons he’s landed on season-ending injured reserve. And while Reid is a pending free agent, the Niners are likely looking at defensive backs Adrian Colbert and Jaquiski Tartt to be the starters next season.

San Francisco could bump Ward back down to cornerback — a pressing need. But as Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone pointed out, it might be best to pursue options elsewhere:

Ward’s injury history hurts his value, which means little more than a fourth-round pick as compensation is likely.

One team in need of safety help this year is the Washington Redskins. Starting safety Montae Nicholson ended up on IR after beginning the year. His replacement, Deshazor Everett, finished the year with a 51.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus.

Washington needs both depth and a possible upgrade here. And with their own pick in Round 4, No. 109 overall, they’d fill this need.