Any free agents the San Francisco 49ers sign now won't count toward the compensatory pick formula for next year, and general manager John Lynch hinted after the 2025 NFL Draft that the team may not be done reshaping its roster for the upcoming season.

"After the draft, they don't affect it, so we'll see," Lynch told reporters. "We're always looking to improve our team."


With that in mind, the 49ers can evaluate their remaining roster needs and explore available options to fill any lingering voids. An additional need became apparent on Saturday when ESPN reported that safety Malik Mustapha suffered a torn ACL during the 49ers' season finale against the Arizona Cardinals on January 5.

RELATEDMustapha recovering from torn ACL, unlikely to be ready for 2025 season opener
San Francisco did draft a safety—Kansas State's Marques Sigle—in the fifth round, but may look to add a veteran to bolster the group, with Mustapha unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.

After the draft, For The Win's Cory Woodroof identified ideal landing spots for 15 free agents and named veteran safety Justin Simmons a perfect fit for San Francisco.

"With the news that 49ers safety Malik Mustapha isn't expected to be ready for the season because of a torn ACL," Woodroof wrote, "Simmons would be the perfect short-term replacement for San Francisco until Mustapha is ready to reassume his role in the starting lineup. Simmons could fill a key veteran leadership role on the back end and give the 49ers excellent depth at the position once Mustapha is healthy. He could even play as a third safety."

Last year, there was speculation that the 49ers might be interested in Simmons, a nine-year NFL veteran. He ultimately signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.


Last season, Simmons appeared in 16 games with Atlanta, recording 62 tackles (two for a loss), two interceptions, and seven passes defended, per Pro Football Reference.

It's fair to wonder whether the 49ers will view Simmons as a low-risk addition to bolster their secondary for the 2025 campaign or if they're satisfied with their current group of safeties.

H/t to Brad Berreman of Niner Noise for the find.

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