Who will 49ers Start at Safety While Malik Mustapha is Out?

Mustapha tore his ACL in the final game of the regular season. He also tore this ACL in 2022 and made a full recovery. Which means the 49ers might want to be cautious with Mustapha this time around because a third ACL tear could end his career.

Don't be surprised if the 49ers go slow with Mustapha -- there's no reason to rush him back onto the field. So while he's out, who will take his place?

The 49ers lost starting strong safety Talanoa Hufanga this offseason -- he signed with the Denver Broncos. Third-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown most likely will take his place in the 49ers defense. But who will play next to him?

They drafted Marques Sigle in Round 5. He has the traits to become a starting safety at some point, but I doubt he'll start Week 1.

The 49ers also signed two veteran safeties -- Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock. Grant has started 33 games in his career, although last season he got benched and mostly played special teams.

Pinnock started all 32 games he played in the past two seasons for the Giants, so he would appear to be the favorite to start early in the season for the 49ers. He's a former fifth-round pick who was drafted by Robert Saleh and the Jets in 2021.

Pinnock struggled at times in 2024, but in 2023 he played well. And now he'll be on a good defense with an excellent coordinator in Robert Saleh.

When Mustapha returns, don't be surprised if Pinnock stays in the starting lineup and Ji'Ayir Brown goes to the bench.