Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking 49ers 5 biggest roster needs ahead of NFL free agency

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an interception against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an interception against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Jimmie Ward, 49ers
Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Safety

Up to this point, many of the 49ers’ positional needs could either be addressed by on-roster options, the NFL Draft or some low-budget free-agent targets.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

But perhaps the biggest need, which will be much more difficult to address any of the other ways, is at safety.

Free safety, to be precise, where veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward is set to cash in on a career-best year. One might assume Ward makes roughly $8 million on the open market, while his lengthy injury history pushes the Niners away from committing to him long term.

And unlike wide receiver or cornerback, there aren’t a lot of top-tier safety options in the draft outside of the first two rounds. If the 49ers are unable to trade out of their first-round pick, or even elect to address other positions instead, the defense could be in quite the conundrum if Ward leaves anyway.

There are some free-agent options, yes. Chicago Bears safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is one, and he’s been fully healthy ever since being drafted by the Green Bay Packers back in 2014. Las Vegas Raiders safety Karl Joseph might be something of a splurge target, while a lower-cost option could include Carolina Panthers safety Tre Boston.

Boston has been discussed among Niners circles before.

5 bold predictions for the 49ers in NFL free agency. dark. Next

At any rate, should the 49ers try ponying up a decent amount of cash in NFL free agency, it seems most likely safety would be the top target, considering the lack of viable options both on the roster and in the draft.

NFL free agency officially starts when the league’s new year begins on March 18.