49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Defensive back Antone Exum

The San Francisco 49ers didn’t make too many changes to their secondary in 2019, yet that doesn’t mean defensive back Antone Exum’s roster spot is safe this season.

Antone Exum was in elite company last year, as far as San Francisco 49ers defensive backs go.

He recorded half the Niners’ interceptions from 2018. But when the total number equates to two, Exum’s contributions in the turnover department might not seem as impressive.

Exum found himself a regular part of San Francisco’s banged-up secondary last year, starting a total of seven games and being a key part of a safety crop which employed seven different starters over the course of the season.

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Generated 5/24/2019.

And while there weren’t exactly wholesale changes in the defensive backfield during the offseason, Exum will likely be fighting an uphill battle to retain any sort of starting job in 2019.

If Exum is to make the roster, he’ll have to show a good deal of prowess between now and Week 1. Here’s how he can do so, why he won’t and his chances of making the 49ers’ 53-man roster this season.

Why Antone Exum Improves in 2019

The Niners may be forced to give Exum some additional looks between now and training camp, particularly after fellow safety Jimmie Ward suffered a broken forearm in OTAs. Ward is expected back by Week 1. Yet the injury should allow Exum to see a bit more time with first- and second-team units than he otherwise would have.

At 28 years old, Exum’s level of play last season is probably close to the max of what one would expect. He did have that interception, which was returned for a touchdown back in Week 4 last year against the Los Angeles Chargers. A forced fumble and a sack look good, too, although he’ll make his money at free safety in coverage and by showing ranginess as a single-high defender.

Why Antone Exum Regresses

For most of his career, Exum has been little more than a reserve and a special teams contributor. That’s probably how San Francisco views him heading into 2019, especially considering Pro Football Focus ranked the Niners’ secondary dead last a year ago.

That, regardless of Exum’s somewhat impressive numbers. Relatively speaking, they look good. Compared to the rest of the NFL? Not so much.

It’s possible, perhaps realistic, Exum’s coverage abilities revert back to the reasons why he’s primarily been a special teams contributor for most of his career.

And that won’t help his roster chances.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019

Squarely on the bubble, Exum’s chances of making the cut before Week 1 depends a lot on Ward’s health and whether or not the Niners make any more moves to add depth to the position.

The fact he started seven games in 2018 helps, but that wasn’t necessarily because he was the best option at the position. If San Francisco winds up enjoying a less injury-filled season in 2019, Exum’s chances drop considerably.

Exum is also on a one-year deal worth up to $735,000. If cut, the 49ers would owe just $50,000 in dead money. Financially speaking, Exum’s contract won’t be any obstacle to a roster move.

As far as where on the bubble, Exum might be a bit safer than many. But he’s nowhere close to the strong side. Perhaps he flashes some more on special teams, increasing his stock value. And if Ward’s injury takes longer than expected, Exum could be around into the regular season, too.

But it’s far from guaranteed.