While the team officially has over \$46 million in available salary cap space—the second-most in the NFL—it remains to be seen whether ownership is willing to spend more after handing out major contract extensions to Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, and George Kittle this offseason.
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, the starting safety roles have been filled by veterans Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock, both considered journeymen. That’s part of the reason CBS Sports has identified the 49ers as a potential destination for free agent safety Justin Simmons.
“If Simmons doesn’t end up reuniting with Vic Fangio in Philadelphia, he might opt to play under one of Fangio’s top protégés, Robert Saleh, who has returned to San Francisco as defensive coordinator following his time as Jets head coach,” wrote CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin.
The 49ers have spent much of this offseason cutting costs, including letting Talanoa Hufanga leave in free agency. With projected starters Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha currently sidelined by injuries, a short-term deal with Simmons could be a smart move.
Simmons, a four-time All-Pro from 2019 to 2023, will turn 32 this year. He waited until mid-August last season before signing a one-year deal with Atlanta, and he may follow a similar timeline in 2025. That gives the 49ers time to evaluate their current options before deciding whether to pursue him.
At the moment, safety remains a glaring weakness on San Francisco’s roster, and bringing in Simmons on a one-year contract could be a low-risk upgrade.
