The San Francisco 49ers could face some uncertainty in their defensive backfield heading into the 2025 season. Talanoa Hufanga has signed with the Denver Broncos, and Malik Mustapha is unlikely to be ready for Week 1 as he continues to recover from an ACL injury.
That leaves Ji'Ayir Brown and Jason Pinnock as the likely starters at safety for the season opener on the road against the Seattle Seahawks. Brown is returning from an offseason ankle procedure but is expected to be ready in time for training camp.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin believes the 49ers could still look to reinforce the position and named San Francisco a top potential landing spot for veteran safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons, a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety, remains a free agent after eight seasons with the Denver Broncos and one with the Atlanta Falcons. Now 31 years old, Simmons is reportedly eager to continue his NFL career and prove he still has plenty left in the tank.
Benjamin predicts Simmons will generate more interest as training camps approach. In his recent article, he listed five ideal landing spots for the veteran safety: the 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.
"If Simmons can't reunite with [defensive coordinator] Vic Fangio in Philadelphia, perhaps he'd settle for one of Fangio's most accomplished disciples in Robert Saleh, who's back as San Francisco's coordinator after a tumultuous stint as New York Jets head coach," Benjamin explained.
The 49ers are in a strong financial position to make a move. Despite extending Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, the team still owns over $46 million in salary cap space, giving them flexibility to sign a veteran like Simmons, particularly if it's on a one-year deal.
"The 49ers spent much of the offseason shedding salary, including by letting Talanoa Hufanga sign elsewhere, but with projected starting safeties Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha both nursing injuries, a one-year partnership could make sense," Benjamin added.
Simmons is coming off a 62-tackle, two-interception season with the Falcons and saw over 1,000 defensive snaps across 16 games. His experience and leadership could provide an immediate boost to a 49ers secondary seeking stability and depth.