The San Francisco 49ers had a relatively quiet offseason, focusing on returning players rather than signing new players in free agency. Part of this is due to the team’s already outstanding roster, which includes returning players such as safety Talanoa Hufanga.
That’s why the organization invited Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon to visit but did not sign him. According to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, Hufanga will return during training camp, so San Francisco is merely looking for a backup.
“‘The 49ers anticipate Talanoa Hufanga will return from ACL “sometime in training camp,” per Kyle Shanahan, who also sounded optimistic about Hufanga’s ability to return to 100% of his old self,” Lombardi wrote on X on March 26. “SF would still like to add a safety, but they told recent visitor Julian Blackmon that a new addition wouldn’t necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot — general depth is Priority No. 1 with Hufanga coming off injury.”
Hufanga was a revelation for San Francisco in 2022, but an ACL tear derailed his 2023 season. There was talk that the 49ers would add a starter, but it is now evident that they are looking for a backup.
Hufanga becomes the focal point of defense.
The 49ers possessed elite front-seven choices, including linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. However, Hufanga’s selection in the fifth round of the 2021 draft would complete the defense’s “spine” with a top-tier safety.
After an excellent season in a limited role in 2021, Hufanga burst into the national stage in 2022. According to PFR, the former USC Trojan intercepted four passes, defended nine passes, and had two sacks.
Hufanga was awarded first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, and he entered the 2023 season with high expectations. Hufanga recorded three interceptions in his first ten appearances.
However, an ACL tear in Week 11 terminated his season early. Furthermore, it raised worries about his availability for the 2024 season. Fortunately for the 49ers, the 24-year-old appears to be on track with his comeback.
49ers Could Keep Eye on Julian Blackmon
While San Francisco and Julian Blackmon were clearly on different pages, don’t rule out a potential deal. Blackmon is coming off his best pro season, but the issue is that he still doesn’t have a deal.
There are teams that could definitely use the 25-year-old’s talents after his 4-interception season. But with the draft upcoming and primary waves of free agency behind teams, Blackmon is stuck in limbo.
If he ends up being the odd man out, the 49ers could get insane value for Blackmon’s ability. If he’s not guaranteed to start elsewhere, playing on a talented team like the 49ers is the best-case scenario.
Hufanga may be recovering well. But ACL tears unfortunately signal more injuries down the line. Blackmon could still get his starting chance if worse comes to worse for Hufanga.
It is probably a long-shot move at this point. But if San Francisco is in the market for a safety, there is plenty of reason to monitor Blackmon’s free agency saga going forward.
