49ers post opt-out 53-man roster predictions

49ers Defensive Backs (10)

CB Richard Sherman

CB Emmanuel Moseley

CB K’Waun Williams

CB Ahkello Witherspoon

CB Jason Verrett

CB Tim Harris

FS Jimmie Ward

SS Jaquiski Tartt

FS Tarvarius Moore

SS Marcell Harris

What a world the current NFL is, where a team needs so many defensive backs.

But given the propensity for throwing the football and defensive packages that feature up to six defensive backs, it should come as no surprise the 49ers will have to stock up on them again heading into the 2020 season.

Much like other places across the roster, there aren’t a lot of names that required much in the way of consideration, with Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, K’Waun Williams, Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, and maybe even Marcell Harris more than likely locked in their places as starters or depth pieces.

The questions come mostly in the form of cornerback depth.

Will Ahkello Witherspoon play his way into a key role in an offseason where cutting him would only cost the 49ers a little under $250,000 in dead money?

Will former Chargers first-round pick Jason Verrett come back from continued injuries to make a name for himself as a key depth player or even supplant Moseley as the starter opposite Sherman? If not, it’s unlikely he will serve any purpose on special teams and would be cut since his contract has no guaranteed money.

Or will 2019 sixth-round draft pick, Tim Harris, come back from injury to leap over them both and become the 49ers third outside corner and key special teams contributor?

The other name that could be in the mix is a versatile defensive back and undrafted rookie out of Alabama, Jared Mayden. He played all four defensive back positions while at Alabama, a skill that could help his case for making the roster, although it’s more likely they’ll want to try to get him to the practice squad.