5 pending free agents 49ers must go all out to re-sign in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers free agent No. 2: Safety Jaquiski Tartt
Forget what you think about veteran safety Jaquiski Tartt‘s dropped would-be interception during the NFC Championship game that could have completely altered the outcome. If you’re letting that impact your overall assessment of him, it’s a poor process of judgment.
Tartt does so many things for the Niners defense that often go unnoticed. And while he does come with a notable injury history, San Francisco would surely be wise to do what it can to ensure he stays, especially continuing the solid chemistry he has with his former high school teammate, free safety Jimmie Ward.
Read More: Re-signing Jaquiski Tartt makes sense for 49ers this offseason
Sure, the 49ers would love to replace the 30-year-old Tartt sooner than later. But they don’t exactly have any proven options already on the roster, as Tarvarius Moore is coming back from an Achilles tear and Talanoa Hufanga is probably a box safety only at the NFL level.
While there are a number of quality targets in the 2022 NFL Draft, one has to remember many young defensive backs will struggle to transition from the college ranks to the pros.
For a Niners team ready to win now, they can’t bank on a rookie assuming a Tartt-like role without risking the realities of first-year struggles.