On Tuesday, ESPN's Matt Bowen analyzed the top 50 impending free agents and identified the best team fit for each. He named the San Francisco 49ers the ideal landing spot for two defensive backs.
The first is a familiar name to 49ers fans—All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga, who has been with the team since they selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 draft.
"Injuries have limited Hufanga to 17 games over the past two seasons, but when healthy, the former All-Pro has playmaking ability," Bowen wrote. "In 49 career games, Hufanga has seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown."
Hufanga entered the league after Robert Saleh departed the 49ers to become the New York Jets' head coach. However, with Saleh returning as the 49ers' defensive coordinator this season, Bowen believes the veteran safety remains a strong fit for his scheme.
"Under new 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Hufanga still fits as a top-down defender who should remain in San Francisco," Bowen noted.
Hufanga is ranked No. 21 on ESPN's list of impending free agents.
Bowen also identified cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as a potential fit for Saleh's defense in Santa Clara.
"A shoulder injury limited Samuel to four games last season, but he has the traits to produce at a position of need in Robert Saleh's 49ers defense," Bowen wrote. "Charvarius Ward is a free agent, meaning there could be a hole at corner. Samuel has a playmaking mentality, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball in zone and man looks."
As it stands, Deommodore Lenoir and second-year player Renardo Green project as the team's starting outside cornerbacks. The 49ers could look to free agency to bolster the group or wait until the draft to add a talented prospect.
Samuel appeared in just four games for the Los Angeles Chargers last season before landing on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. In his last full season (2023), he recorded a career-high 63 tackles (one for a loss), two interceptions, and 13 passes defensed.
Samuel ranks No. 31 on ESPN's list of impending free agents. NFL free agency officially begins on March 12, with teams allowed to start negotiations with players two days earlier.
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