The San Francisco 49ers already have a starting safety unit that they are comfortable with heading into 2024, but would they look to upgrade the unit with an All-Pro if possible? Justin Simmons and Jamal Adams both unexpectedly were released by their teams in the last few weeks, and together they have a combined seven All-Pro nods to their list of accolades. The San Francisco 49ers would not be doing their due diligence if they did not at least kick the tires on adding an All-Pro to their roster.
Justin Simmons Can Elevate San Francisco 49ers Secondary
Free Safety Justin Simmons could supplant San Francisco 49ers incumbent starter Ji’Ayir Brown if signed by the team. This is no slight to Brown, but Simmons just brings more versatility and experience to the 49ers defense. Simmons has lined up all over the Broncos Broncos defense. According to Pro Football Focus, he has played 15% of snaps in the slot, 29% in the box, and 54% as a free safety. This is the type of versatility that can be a difference-maker for an already talented 49ers defense.
Justin Simmons has appeared in 118 career games in a Denver Broncos uniform, but he has never appeared in a playoff game before. This would all but be assured if he were to suit up in red and gold, and could be a deciding factor in his decision making progress. It is unlikely the San Francisco 49ers would be willing to offer a big multi-year contract to Simmons, as a one year deal would fit their budget much more. Simmons will be tasked with making a decision deciding if money is more important than winning heading into free agency.
Jamal Adams Could Resurrect Career In San Francisco 49ers Uniform
After being cut by the Seattle Seahawks, Jamal Adams will look to find the best landing spot to resurrect his career after a few disappointing seasons. What better place than in San Francisco where he would be playing in a familiar scheme? Adams has played most of his career in a 4-3 defense, and it has been in this defense where he has found the most success. Talanoa Hufanga is the incumbent starter at strong safety, but he is coming off of an injury in which he tore his ACL. If Hufanga does not come back as the same player that he was, then the Adams signing would add depth in the least.
Jamal Adams may not be as a hot commodity as the aforementioned Simmons having come off of a few disappointing seasons in Seattle. But his accolades still speak volumes as he has three pro bowl nods to go along with three All-Pro honors. If Adams can find these same statistics on a short year deal in San Francisco, then he may garner a large multi-year contract.
Adams is 29 years old, coming off of a few injury plagued seasons which probably make him the likelier candidate to make the move to San Francisco. San Francisco can give him a one-year prove it deal that benefits both sides. Adams can thrive in a system he is familiar with likely resulting in a payday, and the 49ers get better on the defensive side of the ball.
Most people are pointing to the offensive and defensive lines as room for improvement for the San Francisco 49ers, but keep an eye on the safety market as the 49ers may look to upgrade.
ONE OTHER NAME TO WATCH: Quandre Diggs
Diggs is coming off of some very good seasons in Seattle, unlike Jamal Adams. The San Francisco 49ers may find him suitable to come in on a one-year deal, and challenge for a starting spot.
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