49ers Eyeing Safety in Early Rounds of 2026 NFL Draft

Insider believes San Francisco could target safety position with one of their top picks

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:37pm by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to address the safety position in the 2026 NFL Draft, with one insider suggesting they could use one of their first two picks to improve the secondary. The team has invested in the safety spot in recent years, but there is a desire for increased production and takeaways from the position.

Why it matters

The 49ers' secondary has been an area of focus in recent drafts, and with uncertainty at the safety position last season, the team may look to solidify that unit early on. Improving the defensive backfield could be a key priority as the 49ers aim to build a well-rounded roster ahead of the upcoming season.

The details

According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers "wouldn't be shocked" if they used one of their first two picks in the 2026 draft to target a safety. The team has selected safeties in the last three drafts, including Ji'Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and Marques Sigle, but Maiocco indicated there is a desire for more playmaking ability and takeaways from the position. With Brown entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 49ers may look to add another talented safety to the mix early in the draft.

  • The 49ers have selected safeties in the last three NFL Drafts.
  • Marques Sigle was a Week 1 starter as a rookie last season, winning the job over Ji'Ayir Brown.
  • Ji'Ayir Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

The players

Matt Maiocco

An insider and reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area who covers the San Francisco 49ers.

Ji'Ayir Brown

A safety drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Malik Mustapha

A safety drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Marques Sigle

A safety drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wouldn't be shocked if they go safety. I think that's an area where they feel like there's a lot of room to improve.”

— Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area reporter

“Marques Sigle was a Week 1 starter last year as a rookie. He won the starting job coming out of training camp over Ji'Ayir Brown. But they never really figured out who their starting safeties were, other than Malik Mustapha.”

— Matt Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area reporter

What’s next

The 49ers will have their first opportunity to address the safety position when the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 24th.

The takeaway

The 49ers' secondary has been a focus in recent drafts, and the team may look to further bolster the safety position early on in the 2026 NFL Draft. With uncertainty at the position last season and a desire for more playmaking ability, San Francisco could target a safety with one of their top picks as they aim to build a well-rounded roster for the upcoming season.