© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
All of sudden, the 49ers have gotten real short at safety. Would-be starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is on the physically unable to perform list with turf toe, and in an update after practice on Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan indicated that he’s not expected back anytime soon. Meanwhile, veteran safety Tony Jefferson suffered a groin and hamstring tweak Shanahan said, leaving him out for some time.
That leaves effectively just Tavon Wilson as the team’s lone strong safety, given Marcell Harris’ full time move to linebacker. Both Jimmie Ward and Talanoa Hufanga have been playing the free safety role, and while there is an element of interchangeability, there is still a clear need for numbers and competition.
Shanahan said that because of the tweak Jefferson suffered, the 49ers need numbers, with Kai Nacua and Jared Mayden the only other active safeties.
Given the fact that Tavon Wilson, 31, is the only one there, there seemed to be a suggestion that the 49ers would have to bring in a viable competitor at the position. Shanahan said he “definitely” planned to sign another safety.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, the 49ers look to be doing just that, working out former Packers Pro Bowler Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, 28, longtime Colts safety Clayton Geathers, 29, former Buccaneers, Seahawks and Jets safety Bradley McDougald, 30, and longtime Vikings safety, Andrew Sendejo, 33 (about to be 34).
With a couple of injuries amongst their safeties, the 49ers are working out veterans Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Clayton Geathers, Bradley McDougald and Andrew Sendejo.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 10, 2021
This is a clear attempt by the 49ers to sign a veteran, plug-and-play safety. Among those four players, there are a combined 281 starts, many of which came on competitive teams, and recently. The safety market is brutal for players, but fantastic for teams like the 49ers.