Impending 49ers free agent Talanoa Hufanga has been dealing with injuries for the majority of the 2024 campaign and will look for a new opportunity. According to multiple reports, the San Francisco 49ers will probably lose the All-Pro defender since the team will probably have to be picky about who to bring back. With at least $50 million in cap space, the team still needs to quarterback Brock Purdy so it will become difficult for the 49ers to figure out how to bring back Hufanga. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former USC product had a promising second year with the 49ers, recording four interceptions, two fumbles and 97 total tackles.
However, the former Pro Bowler was never the same player after injuries stopped his production. This is something the 49ers will take into account this offseason and see who is worth prioritizing despite head coach Kyle Shanahan wanting Hufanga back. It will become an organizational decision but also one for Hufanga since he may want to test the free agent market. Many should expect him to have a market this upcoming offseason despite the injuries he’s been dealing with.
Hufanga might not secure a long-term contract but any team looking for depth in their safety unit could use someone like him. It might be smart for both parties to part ways and see how Hufanga could establish in a new scenery since there have been new rumors spurring on Twitter he could be the new Troy Polamalu in Pittsburgh.
#NFL FREE AGENCY #Steelers are expected to show interest in #49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga this offseason.
Hufanga works out in the offseason with legend Troy Polamalu and play a similar style. pic.twitter.com/S7xia2hy5J
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 17, 2025
49ers Pro Bowl Free Agent Talanoa Hufanga Looking for Second Chance – Ravens, Saints Could Give Him the Opportunity
Help the Ravens Secondary
The Baltimore Ravens thought they had a strong secondary group but didn’t happen since several key starters are struggling. Brandon Stephens and Kyle Hamilton are the prime athletes with inconsistency issues but luckily head coach John Harbaugh made a few adjustments midseason. After elevating Ar’Darius Washington to help the unit up to speed alongside Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens have gotten better. However, Washington’s experience remains a concern so it shouldn’t be surprising if the team loses in a shootout this postseason.
Perhaps, they could use some veteran insurance from Hufanga to pair with Humphrey. This might be helpful to stop the aerial attack with rookie Nate Wiggins and Stephens covering the man-to-man.
Tyrann Mathieu Gone?
General Manager Mickey Loomis doesn’t want to rebuild but the landscape of their financial situation will grant them no choice but to do the opposite of his wishes. Since quarterback Derek Carr isn’t taking a pay cut this offseason, the Saints will have to get creative about building a roster that is capable of helping the team back in the postseason. Several defensive talents like veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu have an uncertain future so that means they could either trade him or grant his release if he requests one. With Paulson Adebo possibly leaving in the secondary unit, the Saints will likely scramble in the dirt to find a gem this upcoming free agency.
New Orleans might not have the resources but someone like Hufanga could come at a low effective cost. He might not re-capture his second year but Hufanga is better than what the Saints have. They need someone to be a competitor in the NFC playoff race and Hufanga might have those abilities to do so in the absence of Marshon Lattimore. No one should expect Kool-Aid McKinstry to get momentum if he’s alone in the no-fly zone as the only one who might have some capability.
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