The San Francisco 49ers were disappointing in 2024, finishing with a 6-11 record and in fourth place in the NFC West, as they dealt with poor performances, from both players and coaches, and injuries to some of their key contributors.

This offseason, San Francisco saw massive turnover in their secondary, including at safety, where Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson hit the market, while Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant joined the 49ers.

Advertisement

On top of those changes, one of the big injuries San Francisco will have to overcome to start their 2025 campaign is 2024 fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha suffering an ACL injury this offseason that will cost him the beginning of the year.

Without Mustapha lining up as a starting safety, the 49ers could be looking for another veteran to help out, and interestingly, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently identified them as a top landing spot for free agent safety Jordan Whitehead.

“As the Jets head coach, Saleh saw Whitehead perform at his best with the help of his former defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich,” Moton wrote. “The 49ers need a placeholder in one of their starting safety spots as Malik Mustapha recovers from a torn ACL.

“Mustapha went down in January, so he’s likely to miss several weeks in the upcoming season. Whitehead, who’s already familiar with Saleh’s system, could step in as a spot starter.”

Advertisement

Whitehead, 28, played collegiately at Pittsburgh from 2015-18, earning All-ACC honors in his second season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took him in the fourth-round of the 2018 NFL draft and made him a starter as a rookie.

After four seasons in Tampa Bay, Whitehead spent two with the New York Jets before going back to the Buccaneers for the 2024 season. In total, he’s appeared in 105 games and started 101 while recording 557 tackles (31 for a loss), 45 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.

Whitehead could be a significant addition in San Francisco in 2025, especially at the beginning of the season to help make up for Mustapha’s absence.

More 49ers: 9 things to watch at 49ers mandatory minicamp

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers seen as best fit for free agent safety Jordan Whitehead