It was a disastrous 2024 season for the San Francisco 49ers, and now, general manager John Lynch must decide how much to clean house.
Having already fired their defensive and special teams coordinators, the 6-11 49ers could be in for a healthy amount of roster turnover in free agency. Some players might choose to leave for greener pastures, and the 49ers may well decide others aren’t worth bringing back.
One of the toughest decisions they’ll have to make centers around 2022 All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. The 25-year-old once looked like a lock for an extension, but injuries slowed him down tremendously over the last two seasons.
If they don’t show urgency to bring Hufanga back, the 49ers can be assured there will be other teams eager to pounce.
On Tuesday, James Brizuela of Newsweek predicted that Hufanga would sign with the Miami Dolphins, who are in a similar mindset of disappointment after missing the playoffs themselves at 8-9.
“Based on Hufanga’s performance and injury history, Newsweek Sports predicts the Dolphins could sign him to a projected three-year, $45 million deal,” Brizuela wrote. “This would pay Hufanga $15 million per season, placing him in the top 10 at the position, but not in the top five.”
“Hufanga earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2022 after securing 97 total tackles, two sacks, four interceptions, a pick-six, nine passes defended, and two forced fumbles.”
Miami projects to lose star safety Jevon Holland, who could be in line for a contract in the $70-80 million range. That would clear the pathway to sign Hufanga, who is familiar with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel from his time as 49ers offensive coordinator.
The 49ers are projected to have over $40 million in cap space at the moment, but that could evaporate if quarterback Brock Purdy signs an extension. Whether or not they plan to give Purdy that extension could also influence the decision regarding Hufanga.
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