49ers’ 4 biggest remaining needs after moves in NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
49ers position need No. 3: Safety
At the time this is being written, the Niners appear poised to lose veteran strong safety Jaquiski Tartt to NFL free agency, as he remains unsigned.
While it’s unclear whether or not San Francisco plans on replacing Tartt on defense with one of its free-agent pickups, former Indianapolis Colts All-Pro special teams ace George Odum, who has been a spot starter in his career, the likelihood of Tartt accepting yet another team-friendly deal after doing so a year ago doesn’t seem imminent.
Sure, the 49ers may look at other options outside of Odum, possibly deploying on-roster players like Tarvarius Moore or Talanoa Hufanga.
Right there, though, risks start to accumulate. Moore is coming off a season-long absence because of an Achilles tear suffered last offseason, while Hufanga’s straight-line speed and coverage skills aren’t exactly adequate enough for him to be a full-time starter.
If the Niners feel confident in Odum starting on defense, fine. But if they don’t, chalk up the need for another safety high up on the list.