The San Francisco 49ers are at a crossroads in their secondary as they head into the 2025 NFL season. With safety Malik Mustapha sidelined due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 18 of the 2024 season, the team’s safety position is notably thin. Talanoa Hufanga remains a cornerstone, but the current tandem of Hufanga and either Ji’Ayir Brown or Anthony Pinnock is considered the weakest in the NFC West. This has sparked discussions about whether the 49ers should pursue free agent safety Julian Blackmon, a versatile and proven veteran who remains unsigned. This article explores the case for and against signing Blackmon, weighing his fit with the team, his performance history, and the 49ers’ current roster needs.
The Case for Signing Julian Blackmon
Julian Blackmon, a 27-year-old safety, brings a compelling resume to the table. Drafted in the third round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, Blackmon has established himself as a reliable starter over five NFL seasons. His 2023 and 2024 campaigns were particularly notable, with seven interceptions combined, showcasing his ball-hawking ability. In 2024, despite playing through a shoulder injury, he recorded 86 tackles, three interceptions, and four pass deflections in 16 starts. His ability to play both strong and free safety, along with experience in the slot from his 2022 season, makes him a versatile fit for the 49ers’ defensive schemes under assistant head coach Brandon Staley and former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who coached Blackmon in Indianapolis.
The 49ers’ financial position supports a potential signing. With the third-most effective cap space in the NFL as of May 2025, they have the flexibility to add a player like Blackmon, especially if his asking price has decreased due to his prolonged free agency. Bleacher Report and other analysts have highlighted Blackmon as one of the top safeties still available, suggesting he could be a cost-effective upgrade over Brown or Pinnock. His familiarity with Bradley’s defensive system could ease his integration, allowing the 49ers to deploy creative packages, potentially featuring Blackmon alongside Hufanga and Brown in three-safety looks.
Blackmon’s youth and playmaking ability are additional draws. At 27, he’s younger than other free agent safeties like Justin Simmons, and his interception totals (10 career picks in 66 games) demonstrate a knack for creating turnovers. His 2023 season, with a career-high 88 tackles and eight passes defended, shows he can be a difference-maker when healthy. For a 49ers team looking to bolster its secondary without breaking the bank, Blackmon represents a high-upside option.
The Case Against Signing Julian Blackmon
Despite his strengths, there are reasons to hesitate. Blackmon’s injury history is a significant concern. He has never played a full NFL season, with a torn Achilles in 2021 and a torn labrum in 2024 impacting his durability. His 2024 season was marred by 15 missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus, partly attributed to playing through injury. While he showed toughness, his efficiency suffered, raising questions about his reliability for a team needing immediate stability at safety.
Additionally, Blackmon’s market value remains a hurdle. Spotrac projects a three-year, $24 million contract, though his unsigned status suggests he may accept less. However, the 49ers have already invested in low-cost depth players like Richie Grant and Anthony Pinnock, and they may prefer to develop younger talent or pursue a cheaper veteran like Chuck Clark, as recommended by Pro Football Network. Blackmon’s reported asking price earlier in free agency may have deterred teams, and if he’s still seeking a high salary, the 49ers might balk at the cost.
The team’s current roster dynamics also complicate the decision. While Mustapha’s injury creates a need, Hufanga remains a Pro Bowl-caliber safety, and Ji’Ayir Brown has shown flashes of potential. The 49ers could opt to rely on Brown or Pinnock to step up, especially since Blackmon’s addition might not guarantee a significant upgrade over a healthy Hufanga-Brown pairing. Moreover, the 49ers have other pressing needs, such as depth at linebacker or offensive line, which might take priority over a safety signing.
The Verdict
The 49ers should strongly consider signing Julian Blackmon, provided his contract demands align with their budget. His versatility, familiarity with Gus Bradley’s system, and proven playmaking ability make him an ideal fit to address the team’s immediate need at safety. With Mustapha’s recovery timeline uncertain, Blackmon could stabilize the secondary and allow the 49ers to experiment with flexible defensive alignments. His youth and upside suggest he could be a long-term asset, especially if signed to a team-friendly deal due to his prolonged free agency.
However, the 49ers must weigh Blackmon’s injury history and cost against the potential of their current roster. If his price remains too high or if the team believes Brown or Pinnock can adequately fill the gap, they might pass. A cost-effective, short-term deal—perhaps in the $3-5 million range annually—would be ideal, allowing the 49ers to bolster their defense without compromising future cap flexibility.
Conclusion
Signing Julian Blackmon could be a strategic move for the San Francisco 49ers as they aim to strengthen their secondary for the 2025 season. His versatility and playmaking align well with the team’s needs, and their cap space provides the opportunity to act. However, his injury concerns and potential cost require careful consideration. If the 49ers can secure him at a reasonable price, Blackmon could be the key to elevating their defense and maintaining their competitive edge in the NFC West.