6 pending free agents 49ers shouldn’t bother re-signing
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers Safety Jaquiski Tartt
When he’s on the field, veteran strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is a notable difference-maker.
The problem, however, is Tartt hasn’t been able to stay on the field as regularly as both he and the 49ers would like. From 2017 through 2020, he missed 28 out of a possible 64 regular-season games, landing on season-ending injured reserve in three of those four years.
There could be an argument in favor of re-signing Tartt, especially if his injury history lessens his asking price. He does have good chemistry with the Niners’ free safety, Jimmie Ward, and San Francisco doesn’t exactly have proven depth behind him. Defensive back Tarvarius Moore is still a liability in coverage, reserve safety Marcell Harris is a restricted free agent and last year’s rookie, Jared Mayden, saw NFL action only on special teams.
Yet the 49ers would be much better served to let Tartt walk this offseason, exploring whether or not someone like Moore can meet the task of being a regular starter.
If not, OK. That becomes a roster need. But that’s something the Niners can worry about either during the upcoming season or entering 2022.
In terms of the bigger picture stretching into the next few years, it would be a better strategic decision to find someone who could be on the field much more regularly while being able to match Tartt’s on-field abilities.