The 49ers have promising young pieces in Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha, but the safety market could offer a chance to add a proven starter with long-term upside. Mike Masala of Niners Wire contends San Francisco should consider spending at the position in free agency, naming Jaquan Brisker, Kamren Curl, Kyle Dugger and Kevin Byard as potential starters in 2026 if the team pursues an upgrade.
Among that group, Brisker stands out as the most compelling option. A second-round pick in Chicago in 2022, Brisker showed versatility and temperament for 2026—though concerns persist about his concussion history. He turns 27 in April and has been a productive player when healthy, contributing in run support and pass defense.
Brisker’s 2025 season was solid, with 93 tackles, a sack, eight passes defended and an interception, plus a strong postseason showing with 23 tackles and a sack in two playoff games. His durability concerns stem from multiple documented concussions early in his career, which led to 16 missed games over his first three seasons.
The fit for San Francisco would align with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’s expectations: Brisker plays with a linebackers’ urgency and DB awareness, flying to the ball and issuing top-level instincts in the back end. If the 49ers choose to upgrade at safety, Brisker’s ceiling and experience make him a plausible primary target.
Cap space is a consideration but not a roadblock. Spotrac projects Brisker at about $11 million per year, and San Francisco reportedly has roughly $43 million in cap room to allocate this offseason, though other needs—such as receiver and edge rusher—will factor into any decision.
Ultimately, Brisker would be a high-profile addition to an already improving secondary, and he sits at the top of the list for those eyeing an upgrade in 2026. If the 49ers decide to pursue a major safety upgrade in free agency, Brisker’s blend of production, youth and play style would align well with the team’s defensive goals.
