With free agency in full effect, the 49ers could adhere to Richard Sherman's advice on the biggest need.
As the San Francisco 49ers continue shaping their roster for the 2026 NFL season, one familiar voice isn’t holding back about what still needs to be fixed.
Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman made it clear: the biggest concern in San Francisco remains at safety, and it’s not particularly close.
When asked to identify the most glaring hole on the roster, Sherman didn’t hesitate.
“Safety, safety, safety, safety first!” he emphasized. “You gotta find a veteran safety who plays good football.”
Sherman’s blunt assessment echoes what many observers and fans noticed throughout the 2025 season.
While the 49ers flashed talent in the secondary, consistency was a major issue, particularly from young safeties Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown.
Both players showed promise in stretches, but their uneven play often left the defense vulnerable at critical moments.
Sherman acknowledged that reality, pointing out that while both players are capable, relying on them without competition is a risky move.
“If you just go in there and start Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown, it’s fine,” Sherman said. “Because at times they played really good football, but there were times they did not play good football, and it left the defense in a bad position.”
That inconsistency has created urgency for the 49ers front office, led by general manager John Lynch, to address the position before the season begins.
The concern is magnified by the team’s lack of veteran presence in the safety room.
Entering last season, only Jason Pinnock had more than two years of NFL experience among the group, hardly ideal for a defense with championship aspirations.
Sherman specifically pointed to veteran safety Kevin Byard as a missed opportunity.
The three-time Pro Bowler ultimately signed with the New England Patriots, leaving San Francisco still searching for a stabilizing presence on the back end.
“Kevin Byard would have been fantastic,” Sherman noted. “We didn’t get him. I think a veteran safety is something that you have to find a way to get.”
The 49ers also have young depth options like Marques Sigle, but his role diminished significantly after an early-season stint in 2025, raising further questions about his readiness to contribute in a meaningful way.
With the NFC West growing increasingly competitive, the margin for error is slim.
Sherman’s comments highlight a critical truth: if the 49ers hope to keep pace with top contenders, they can’t afford instability at one of the most important positions on defense.
Whether it’s through the NFL Draft or a late free agent addition, San Francisco still has work to do, and if Sherman’s warning is any indication, overlooking the safety position could come at a steep cost in 2026.