The 49ers have several tough decisions regarding free agents this offseason. Can they retain some of their prized free agents on defense? Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga headline potential departures on defense. The 49ers could also look to free agency to fill potential needs on the defensive line.
The draft provides an opportunity to address needs for the 49ers’ future, but proven commodities can help rookies during any transition period. Defensive tackle and EDGE need to be upgraded in 2025. Javon Hargrave is likely moving on, and the 49ers need to find Nick Bosa’s running mate of the future.
Pro Football Focus believes the 49ers will lose Ward, Greenlaw, and Hufanga but add a former Dallas Cowboys to their defensive line. Ward and Hufanga will join the New York Giants, and Greenlaw will join the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams.
Ward’s overall body of work speaks for itself, as he has posted strong 80.0-plus grades in both 2022 and 2023, showcasing his reliability as a top-tier cornerback.
The Giants’ secondary desperately needs reinforcements after finishing 26th in team coverage grade last season. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s heavy use of Cover-3 (35.6%, eighth-highest in 2024) aligns well with Ward’s strengths. Over his career, he’s allowed just 0.83 yards per coverage snap in Cover-3, making him an ideal candidate to help revitalize New York’s defensive backfield.
Ward is listed as the number 13 defensive free agent, and Hufanga sits at 23.
After battling injuries over the past two seasons, Hufanga’s performances have dipped, culminating in a career-low 57.8 overall grade in 2024. At just 26 years old, however, the safety still has time to regain his form and showcase his playmaking ability.
The Giants, looking to stabilize their secondary, recently hired former Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel. Manuel has had success with single-high defensive schemes, something the Giants may hope to emulate with Hufanga.
As for Greenlaw, the number 18 available free agent is a fit for the Rams with their up-and-coming defensive unit.
Greenlaw’s 2024 season was cut short after just 34 snaps as he worked his way back from the Achilles injury he sustained in the Super Bowl last February. Despite the limited action, his strong performances over the two previous seasons—earning 73.0-plus overall grades in both—make him a compelling free-agent option.
A move down the Pacific Coast Highway to join the Rams could be an ideal landing spot for Greenlaw. Chris Shula’s defense already features emerging stars like Jared Verse and Kobie Turner, and adding a veteran presence like Greenlaw could help solidify their unit.
Osa Odighizuwa fits a need for the 49ers on the interior defensive line.
Over the past two seasons, Osa Odighizuwa has established himself as a reliable interior pass-rusher, earning a 78.0 pass-rush grade in both campaigns. He’s totaled over 100 pressures and 10 sacks during that span, showcasing his consistent ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator makes this signing much more appealing. While these are predictions, it is feasible for the 49ers to lose all three defensive stars this offseason. Who knows what the offseason will bring for the 49ers?
