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San Francisco 49ers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Nicholas McGee

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers fires up the team on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 2: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers fires up the team on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to Nick Bosa #97 getting up after an injury during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 11: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to Nick Bosa #97 getting up after an injury during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. Safety

The 49ers’ need at safety will hinge on whether they are able to keep starting free safety Jimmie Ward around. Ward enjoyed his best season since being drafted by the 49ers in the first round in 2014 and may be difficult to re-sign given their lack of cap space.

Should the Niners fail in keeping them on their books, then they will have a distinct lack of depth at a position crucial to the success of their defense.

Tarvarius Moore would be the natural replacement for Ward. The 49ers drafted him in the third round and he excelled in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jaquiski Tartt is penciled in to start at strong safety but, beyond Marcell Harris, the Niners have no backups under contract at the position.

Even if they do not add a top prospect to replace Ward, at the very least they need competition at the position. In a draft heavy on safety talent, the 49ers should not struggle to find it if they choose to address the position.

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