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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL free agency rumors swirl with 49ers in the mix for big names
NFL free agency continues to produce interesting storylines even after the initial rush of signings. With training camp approaching, several experienced veterans remain without teams, creating fresh speculation around where they could land next. Stars like Tyreek Hill, Stefon... -
49ers named potential trade fit for 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback
It seems like nearly every NFL trade rumor eventually involves the San Francisco 49ers. After all, the team is looking to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in what could be the NFL's toughest division. Most speculation has centered on the 49ers adding... -
49ers named best landing spot for veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy
The San Francisco 49ers finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, a disappointing total largely influenced by the season-ending ACL injury to star pass rusher Nick Bosa. The team also lost first-round rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams to a torn ACL before he could... -
Do the 49ers have the best quarterback room in the NFC? One NFL analyst believes so
For years, the San Francisco 49ers have been defined by elite offensive playmakers, Kyle Shanahan's offensive system, and a defense built to win championships. But heading into the 2026 season, one NFL analyst believes the biggest strength on the roster may be sitting in the...