49ers news: 4 positions fully up for grabs entering 2021

49ers Position Battle No. 3: Backup Safety

It might not be considered a vital position to fill. But considering the injury histories for both of San Francisco’s starting two safeties, Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, the 49ers better consider having at least one starting-caliber option ready to go at a moment’s notice.

The last two years, the Niners hoped they’d get by with backup defensive backs Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris. Yet both had more than their fair share of pass-coverage gaffes, and neither has exactly solidified himself as a reliable starting option.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise San Francisco brought aboard two more safeties during the offseason, veteran defensive back Tavon Wilson and the fifth-round rookie, Talanoa Hufanga, out of USC.

Hufanga’s lack of straight-line speed makes him a better candidate for an in-the-box safety, which might be fine to support the defense’s linebackers and to potentially back up Tartt. But as far as over-the-top coverage goes, it remains a completely open competition to back up Ward.

Moore, a college free safety, still could be a vital fit if he improves his pass coverage. Wilson, albeit in limited roles, has shown much more consistent pass-coverage abilities over his career, though, fully keeping him in the mix heading towards training camp.

It’ll be an interesting development to watch, for sure.