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3 reasons why the 49ers haven’t signed safety Tre Boston

By Peter Panacy

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Tre Boston #33 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after breaking up a pass by the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Tre Boston #33 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after breaking up a pass by the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up on field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up on field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers still appear to have a glaring need at safety, yet no moves have been made to acquire help, including free-agent Tre Boston. Here are three possible reasons why.

This is all speculation, of course. But it’s a little shocking the San Francisco 49ers haven’t at least kicked the tires on veteran safety Tre Boston in the late stages of NFL free agency.

The Niners have a need, after all, especially after veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward suffered a broken collarbone early during organized team activities. And while the injury isn’t expected to keep Ward out into the regular season, it does open up a void during practices between now and into training camp.

Instead of adding Boston, who posted a combined eight interceptions and 17 pass breakups with the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals the past two years, San Francisco elected to move boundary cornerback Tarvarius Moore back to his natural position from college, free safety.

It might work, sure. After all, Moore never played corner before joining the pro ranks, and third-year pro Adrian Colbert — the likely starter if Ward remains out — at least needs some competition.

But why not give Boston that chance to compete for a roster spot. At the least, he’d provide that veteran competition with both Colbert and Ward. And given how deep the league is now in NFL free agency, it’s reasonable Boston would come cheap on what would likely be a one-year “prove it” deal.

To date, there’s been zero indication the 49ers are even considering Boston.

The exact reasons are unknown, of course, but here are three possibilities why the Niners haven’t considered it.