The 49ers might have to complete their preseason with out the providers of free security Jimmie Ward, who suffered a major hamstring damage that would preserve him out by way of the beginning of the common season. With a scarcity of obtainable gamers within the again finish of the secondary, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the membership would look to herald some assist at that spot.
San Francisco has one roster spot open which might enable them so as to add a security with no extra maneuvers. In the event that they wish to add a number of although there’d have to be a corresponding launch to maintain their roster under the 85-player most.
Listed here are a handful of free agent choices that stick out that the 49ers may add to assist them get by way of the preseason and probably into the common season:
Tavon Wilson
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Wilson performed eight video games for the 49ers final yr with one begin earlier than an damage minimize his season quick. He’s nonetheless unsigned and has the expertise to step in and take part instantly. If Ward’s damage is dangerous sufficient that San Francisco wants to hold one other security on the roster into the common season, Wilson’s familiarity with the membership would make him a logical candidate to tackle a task just like the one he had final season.
Jarrod Wilson
This security with the final identify ‘Wilson’ had a cup of espresso with the 49ers late final season. He signed with their follow squad in early December and performed in 4 video games virtually completely on particular groups. A six-year veteran with some expertise with the 49ers’ protection would make lots of sense as a fill-in choice. He was with the New York Giants for a pair weeks on this yr’s coaching camp earlier than being let go.
Jared Mayden
There’s somewhat little bit of a query mark with Mayden, who spent a part of his first two seasons with the 49ers after becoming a member of the membership as an undrafted rookie in 2020. He was waived with an damage designation by the Eagles as a part of their first spherical of roster cuts. Mayden is coping with an ankle damage he suffered in camp. If that ankle is nice to go, the 49ers may deliver him in understanding he’s able to enjoying and absorbing some follow/sport snaps instantly.
Tashaun Gipson
Gipson could also be too skilled for what the 49ers want in Ward’s absence. He’s an eight-year veteran who turned 32 in August. It’s been an up-and-down profession for Gipson who can play both security spot. If he’s in search of one other NFL job although, signing on with a membership that’s going to offer him a ton of reps in preseason video games can be a possibility to place good tape out that helps erase among the tough 2021 season he had in Chicago.
Ricardo Allen
Allen, 30, hasn’t had a very good season since 2018 when he was with the Falcons. However, he’s a veteran free security who had two nice years in 2015 and 2016 when he was in Atlanta with then-Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. He’s in an analogous spot to Gipson the place he may not have a shot to make the 49ers squad, however an opportunity to place out good tape can be value taking the fill-in job. That is additionally a scenario the place he may conceivably tackle a reserve function if Ward’s damage pushes San Francisco to carry onto an extra security.
Shawn Williams
Williams has been a flexible participant in his nine-year profession, which may turn out to be useful for a 49ers membership trying to get by way of its final two preseason video games wholesome. He’s performed all around the secondary for the Bengals and Falcons in his profession and has sufficient expertise that he ought to be capable of hit the bottom working and play for San Francisco within the preseason. He’s in all probability not the kind of participant who’d be at risk of taking a roster spot, however which may be all of the 49ers want.
Bryce Thompson
Thompson hasn’t appeared in a regular-season sport but after signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent final yr out of the College of Tennessee. He performed in two video games final yr, all on particular groups. Thompson continues to be younger sufficient (22) that he may spend time on the follow squad this yr to develop below San Francisco’s teaching employees. He was waived by the Saints as a part of their first spherical of roster cuts this yr.