Albert Breer says he loves the idea of safety Justin Simmons playing for the 49ers

There is still a little uncertainty surrounding the San Francisco 49ers safety position. Second-year starter, Ji'Ayir Brown is returning. The 49ers drafted Malik Mustapha back in April. A lot of people are high on him. But those two players are young, and that's why the 49ers need former All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga to return to form.

Hufanga tore his ACL on November 19 last season. And while he says the goal is to be ready to go in week one, there's no guarantee that will happen. And when he does return, will he look like the same player? Hufanga isn't known for his speed, so the injury may not affect him the same as it would if he was a player who relied on speed. Hufanga is known more for his instincts. That shouldn't change.

But what happens if the team gets to training camp and begins having doubts that Hufanga will be ready early in the season? Will the 49ers go into the season with two young, mostly unproven safeties? Will they lean on one of their more experienced safeties until Hufanga returns? Or will the team bring in someone else?

NFL Reporter for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, in his mailbag last week, said he'd like to see free agent safety, Justin Simmons, playing for the 49ers in 2024. Breer wrote, "I love the idea of Justin Simmons in either the Vic Fangio–style of defense he's played in for the Broncos since 2019, or in a Seattle Seahawks–type of defense. That's why I'd really love to see him as the center fielder in the Niners' defense—which has historically played the Seattle three scheme, and also just brought aboard Brandon Staley (whom Simmons knows well) from the Fangio tree."

Simmons, who started 15 games for the Denver Broncos in 2023, would look great with the 49ers defense. He's a center fielder-type safety that the 49ers haven't had in a while. Last season, Simmons picked off three passes, but in 2022, he had six interceptions for the Broncos. He also defended eight passes and recovered a fumble in 2023.

Last year, Simmons made his second Pro Bowl while being named second-team All-Pro for the fourth time. But can the 49ers afford Simmons? Chase Senior, who covers the NFL, says they can. He also likes the fit for Simmons and the 49ers, saying Simmons has great instincts for finding the ball, has been durable, and has led the NFL in interceptions since entering the NFL.


49ers reporter, Larry Krueger, posted on social media, "I like the idea of Simmons to the 49ers, but if they're patient, they may be able to land better/far cheaper options. I think there's a chance that Lewis Cine and Richie Grant could become available at the Aug 27th roster cutdown."


It's safe to assume the 49ers are having these discussions because even though their secondary is one of the league's best, there's no guarantee that Hufanga will return to form. And even if he does, Simmons could still make a great defense even better.

• Marc Adams
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