SF 49ers: 5 trades John Lynch should explore during 2021 offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: SF 49ers reinforce secondary with Vikings’ Harrison Smith
The Niners are poised to lose a massive chunk of their secondary this offseason to free agency including starting defensive backs Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, Ahkello Witherspoon and Jaquiski Tartt.
Tartt, in particular, opens up a sizable void at safety. And while he’s been injured often during his San Francisco career, when healthy, Tartt has been one of the team’s most productive defenders. Combined with a likely influx of youthful talent this offseason, it might be wise for John Lynch and Co. to explore the addition of a veteran presence to mentor up-and-coming defensive backs.
At 32 years old, Minnesota Vikings strong safety Harrison Smith wouldn’t be a long-term option. But with the depth currently behind Tartt awfully questionable, it’s safe to assume the five-time Pro Bowler, Smith, would be a massive upgrade over anything currently on the SF 49ers roster.
Smith is set to earn $10.25 million in the final year of his current contract, per Over the Cap, and the Niners would have to figure out a way to make the financial numbers work.
Considering his advanced age and the fact he’s going to be an unrestricted free agent in 2022, though, the likely compensation back to Minnesota would likely be nothing more than a third-round pick this year, the compensatory selection awarded to San Francisco for the NY Jets hiring former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as head coach.
In that quick move, the SF 49ers would add a key veteran presence to their defensive backfield and easily replace Tartt without giving up too much.