© Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
With the first major wave of free agency in the rearview, now is the time for most teams, like the 49ers, to start adding cheap depth at positions of need. One of those, clearly, is safety, where Jaquiski Tartt remains a free agent, and a re-signing does not appear imminent.
With that in mind and two young, not quite so reliable safeties in Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris next to Jimmie Ward, San Francisco will sign veteran safety Tavon Wilson, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
The #49ers are showing interest in free-agent safety Tavon Wilson via league source. Wilson, 31, a nine-year veteran, has appeared in 125 games (45 starts) with Patriots, Lions and Colts.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 22, 2021
Wilson, 31, was originally drafted in the second round, 48th overall by the Patriots in 2012, starting four games his rookie year with four interceptions. He didn’t start a game in his final three years in New England, before signing with the Detroit Lions, where he spent four seasons, and three at starting strong safety. Wilson finished last season with the Indianapolis Colts and has eight career interceptions and 20 career pass breakups.
According to Pro Football Focus, five of Wilson’s nine seasons have received grades of 71.9 or higher, with nothing below 60.1. In other words, he’s been rated at best very good, at worst average.