5 players 49ers should let walk in 2021 NFL free agency

No. 2: 49ers Safety Jaquiski Tartt

The safety tandem of Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt was a prime reason why the 49ers allowed the fewest pass yards in the NFL last season.

Ward got his new deal during the offseason, and it’s going to be Tartt’s turn to wonder about his future in 2020.

There’s a good chance Tartt cashes in, too, especially looking back at his impressive 2019 campaign in which Pro Football Focus rewarded him with a solid 66.4 overall grade. Having turned 28 years old last February, the Niners’ former second-round pick is hitting that moment where he could potentially cash in on what would probably be the best NFL free agency deal of his career.

Letting Tartt walk in free agency would likely be a business decision, although it would be influenced by the fact he’s missed 19 regular-season games the past three seasons. When healthy, Tartt has performed well.

But availability is the best ability, and the Niners are likely to be pushed into a situation where finding a cheaper, younger replacement with a better bill of health is a bigger priority.