49ers 53-man roster predictions ahead of final wave of 2021 cuts

49ers Safeties (4)

FS Jimmie Ward

SS Jaquiski Tartt

FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

SS Talanoa Hufanga

The number is the same in the safety group, just a slight alteration of the names, with strong safety Jaquiski Tartt returning from his turf toe injury to not only avoid the IR and cement his spot on the roster, but likely step right back into his place in the starting lineup.

That means that veteran journeyman Tavon Wilson gets bumped off the roster altogether in favor of the younger and more versatile Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and rookie Talanoa Hufanga along with starting free safety and longest-tenured 49er, Jimmie Ward

The 49ers may try to slip Wilson onto the practice squad, but they may find that using that spot for former Alabama standout Jared Mayden might be more useful, as the second-year man has shown himself capable of playing both safety positions as well as cornerback in a pinch.

It’s possible the Niners still trust Wilson more than Clinton-Dix in the end, but it likely comes down to those two in terms of a player who can step in at either safety position, although the former Bear and Packer has done so more successfully and more recently on an NFL roster.

For now, the nod goes to Clinton-Dix, who can also feature on special teams if called upon, along with Hufanga, who is relishing the opportunity to be the best special teamer in the NFC.