Over the course of his first two seasons in the NFL, Ji’Ayir Brown totaled 18 starts at safety. This year has brought about a shift in role and workload, however.

The 49ers have relied on free agent addition Jason Pinnock and fifth-round rookie Marques Sigle as starters at the safety spot so far. That has left Brown in the ‘big nickel’ role as a hybrid linebacker when on the field. That has proven to be a rare occurrence, though; Brown has logged just nine defensive snaps through two weeks. The demotion to a part-time role was one of the subjects of a recent conversation he had with Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“It’s going to make sense one day,” Brown said when speaking about his position change (one which he views as only a temporary shift). “I’ve been around the game and I have a lot of respect from a lot of safeties around the game. That’s me saying my personal opinion that I’m top five in this league.”

Taken in the third round of the 2023 draft, Brown represented the 49ers’ top selection that year. The Penn State product emerged as a key figure in the secondary during his rookie season, one which included an interception in the team’s eventual Super Bowl loss. Brown logged a full campaign last year, but he played through an ankle injury for much of the season and saw a downturn in performance and PFF evaluation. Now healthy, he finds himself in a backup capacity.

Malik Mustapha is currently rehabbing the ACL tear he suffered during Week 18 last year. As expected, he has yet to be cleared for a return to action. Especially once that takes place, though, the 49ers will have a logjam in place at the safety position. Despite the fact Brown is attached to his rookie contract through 2026, the possibility of a departure via trade was raised as a result.

“I would definitely love to be here, career-wise, for the rest of my career,” Brown said. “But we all know this is a business. And I’m willing to adapt to whatever comes my way… I will be back at safety, eventually, whether it’s here or whether it’s wherever.”

No indications have emerged that a trade is being considered on the part of the 49ers, or that interest has been generated from potential suitors. Still, a move is something Brown would be open to based on his remarks. It will be interesting to see if a return to starting duties takes place or if his lessened workload continues through the remainder of the season.