"Perhaps they surprise us, and I will gladly revisit that assessment if they do, but for now, the lack of proven talent and overall impact on the back end is a serious concern," Heyrman wrote.
NFL Media's Matt Okada shares that assessment. The NFL and fantasy football writer recently identified each NFC team's biggest remaining roster issue entering the 2026 season, and for the 49ers, he pointed to the safety position—specifically free safety.
Over the past several years, the 49ers have invested significant draft capital at the position, selecting Ji'Ayir Brown in the third round in 2023, Malik Mustapha in the fourth round in 2024, and Marques Sigle in the fifth round in 2025.
Despite those investments, San Francisco continues searching for the right combination in the secondary.
"Following Talanoa Hufanga's departure in 2025, the 49ers shifted their remaining safeties around to fill the hole and ended up with no reliable center fielder across the back end," Okada wrote. "Ji'Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle didn't consistently stand out, Jason Pinnock departed in free agency, and the only notable offseason addition so far is Ashtyn Davis."
The 49ers' pass defense finished 25th in the NFL in passing yards allowed last season. It didn't help that the pass rush suffered after defensive end Nick Bosa sustained a season-ending ACL injury and linebacker Fred Warner, the defense's emotional leader, exited with a season-ending ankle injury.
"The first two levels of the defense should improve with the return of Nick Bosa and the additions of Osa Odighizuwa and Dre Greenlaw, but safety could remain an issue as Raheem Morris takes over for Robert Saleh as DC," Okada concluded.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Defensive Weakness Could Be Exposed Against Falcons' Bijan Robinson
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the NFL's more effective defensive teams this season, but one weakness could create problems against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. San Francisco ranks sixth in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed, fourth in yards per play... -
49ers' John Lynch explains why the pass rush has improved in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025, six fewer than the next-lowest total, posted by the New York Jets. Defensive end Nick Bosa has not played since Week 2 this season, raising concerns that his absence could similarly affect the 49ers' pass rush. Bosa... -
49ers safety Malik Mustapha still playing with chip on his shoulder
Malik Mustapha has come a long way since his days as an overlooked high school football player. But even now, as a safety for the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, he hasn't forgotten where he started or the people who doubted he could make it. Mustapha was a zero-star recruit... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what sets the unbeaten 49ers apart in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers have overcome a series of injuries to remain unbeaten through six weeks of the 2026 NFL season. They will look to improve to 7-0 on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons before heading into their bye week. Aside from a second-half struggle Monday night...