Niner Noise
FanSided

2020 NFL free agency: 3 safeties 49ers can target

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Eric Murray #22 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Eric Murray #22 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Bears
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Chicago Bears (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a safety if defensive back Jimmie Ward departs, and NFL free agency could provide some decent options.

There’s a good chance the San Francisco 49ers will be on the market for a safety this offseason, particularly if veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward departs in NFL free agency.

Ward is coming off a career-best year in 2019, having anchored the back end of the Niners secondary. And while health has long been part of Ward’s career at the pro level, being relatively healthy over the entirety of last season should only drive his price tag up further.

Currently, San Francisco has just above $13 million in projected cap space. Considering the team is looking to re-sign defensive end Arik Armstead and would also like to bring back wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, it’s pretty easy to understand why the 49ers may let Ward hit the open market this offseason.

Third-year pro Tarvarius Moore is one of the Niners’ on-roster options to potentially replace Ward. But if the Niners want to bring aboard another body, NFL free agency might be the sole route to take.

One of the reasons is the 2020 NFL Draft isn’t too deep at the position, and the 49ers may look to address other needs, such as wide receiver or cornerback, with their first pick.

San Francisco could clear up some cap space between now and the start of free agency later this month. But there aren’t a lot of options out there on the open market, and even fewer in the low-budget realm.

Still, there are some players the Niners may want to target at this vital position heading into the offseason. Here are three free-agent players who could interest the 49ers.