The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of question marks at the safety position heading into the 2026 NFL season. While the Niners are still months away from needing to get their squad down to 53 men, the SF Standard’s David Lombardi decided to get a head start on that.
In a May 13 article, Lombardi projects what the 49ers’ 53-man roster will look like when Week 1 rolls around for head coach Kyle Shanahan. Moreover, when it comes to the safety position, Lombardi sees Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Marques Sigle making the team.
Nonetheless, with this group full of question marks, the 49ers reporter floats a potential in-season trade that would reunite him with Raheem Morris, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach and now the Niners’ defensive coordinator.
“There’s perpetual chatter about the 49ers’ recent shortcomings at safety,” Lombardi wrote. “But keep this in mind: Safety production is strongly correlated with a team’s pass rush, and the 49ers finished with a league-low 20 sacks in 2025. There’s a reason they’ve redone nearly all of their D-line over the past 14 months.
“Missed tackles have been an issue for safeties outside of Sigle (who, in turn, suffered through major issues in coverage), but they should see better opportunities to succeed in 2026. And perhaps an in-season trade for a former Morris safety might be in the cards. Jessie Bates III, anyone?”
49ers Have What It Takes to Pull Potential Trade
Last season for the Falcons, Bates posted a 64.5 overall PFF defensive grade. He finished the season with three interceptions and added two pass breakups in coverage.
When targeted, opposing quarterbacks posted a 100.6 passer rating. Bates also played a steady role in run support, recording 70 solo tackles in open-field situations while missing just seven tackles.
Bates is entering the final year of a four-year, $64.02 million contract with the Falcons, signed in March 2023. As a result, depending on how Atlanta’s season goes, there’s the possibility he gets moved during the campaign before the trade deadline later this season.
Moreover, Lombardi noted that the Niners have what it takes to reunite Bates with Morris, who would have no trouble integrating into the defensive coordinator’s system.
“The 49ers, with the NFL’s most salary-cap space and an extra 2027 pick added through their flurry of trades in the draft, have positioned themselves to make a move like that,” Lombardi wrote.
Niners’ Ji’Ayir Brown Gets Strong Words From Donte Whitner
Speaking of safeties and the 49ers, Brown was recently called out by former Niners safety Donte Whitner. The ex-NFL player revealed that Brown contacted him and former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman to tone down the criticism of his play. Nonetheless, Whitner won’t be doing that.
“If you play like s— and I analyze it, I’m going to continue to analyze it that way,” Whitner said in a May 12 video from the “Grit Code Podcast.” “When you play well, I’m not going to be biased. I’m going to give you all the praise in the world. When you play like s—, I’m going to tell you that you played like s—.
“And guess what? I made three Pro Bowls at your position. I’m considered an expert. I have the right to criticize and analyze your game, buddy. So when you don’t perform up to standard, I’m going to speak on it. But if you listen to Hitner, who’s an expert at your position, you will get better.”
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