SF 49ers: 4 positions needing most attention in 2021

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Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 and free safety Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The SF 49ers face a challenging offseason in 2021 with much of their roster hitting NFL free agency and in need of some major upgrades.

In 2019, the SF 49ers had enough depth to overcome a slew of key injuries en route to their NFC championship run.

That wasn’t the case in 2020, however, as injuries derailed what was a year filled with lofty expectations.

The bad news is only going to get worse, though, as the Niners have a total of 40 players scheduled to hit NFL free agency this offseason, and the lack of depth buried deeper on the roster showed why it’s going to be critical for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to have one of their best offseasons to date to make up for what’s going to be a sizable roster turnover.

This won’t be made easier by the fact the 2021 salary cap may drop as low as $175 million and San Francisco is already committing over $156 million to rostered players next season, according to Over the Cap.

Attacking free agency will be tricky enough, both in terms of re-signing players and going after others on the open market. So that means a home-run 2021 NFL Draft class, especially those cheap rookie contracts, will be vital for Lynch, Shanahan and Co.

To understand the challenges, one must understand the SF 49ers’ positional needs.

Here are four that need to be addressed this offseason.

SF 49ers Position Need No. 4: Safety

Pending Free Agents: Jaquiski Tartt, Kai Nacua (RFA), Marcell Harris (RFA), Jared Mayden (ERFA)

The big name on this list is Jaquiski Tartt, who landed on season-ending injured reserve and has a less-than-good chance of returning to the Niners after missing 27 regular-season games over the last four years.

San Francisco could be inclined to retain Tartt’s backup, Marcell Harris, on a restricted tender. Although Harris’ struggles in pass protection might prompt the team to look elsewhere for a more reliable option, particularly in terms of starting-caliber material.

Especially with third-year pro defensive back Tarvarius Moore also struggling in coverage duties.

Jared Mayden, the undrafted 2020 rookie, can only negotiate with the SF 49ers as an exclusive-rights free agent, so he’ll likely return as a role player and developmental piece.

But the key need here is a starter, and the Niners will want to make sure they land one in addition to helping out with their depth needs.