Golden Nuggets: What happens with the secondary going into 2021?

The next NFL offseason will be a big one for the San Francisco 49ers. Their secondary could look a whole lot different going into 2021.

All-Pro Richard Sherman, nickel corner K’Waun Williams, and safety Jaquiski Tartt will all be free agents, giving general manager John Lynch plenty to think about.

The Athletic’s David Lombardi was asked about the secondary in a recent 49ers mailbag, and this was his answer:

“I think the 49ers will do their best to retain Williams, but he’ll likely be pricey given his versatility that includes plus blitzing and run-support abilities. That may constrict the 49ers’ budget elsewhere. The 2021 NFL Draft may be the most efficient way to replace Tartt and acquire quality cornerback depth outside of Sherman.”

Even at 32 years of age, Sherman is still playing at an extremely high level. PFF named him as the best coverage defender in the NFL last season. The Niners will need him to sustain that level of play if they want to win the Super Bowl. Sherman’s game isn’t built on speed, so I can see him continuing to be a dominant force in coverage.

Lombardi is right about the decision on Williams. He was excellent last season, and if he follows that up with a strong campaign in 2020, he will be in line for a huge raise on the just over $2 million base salary he is due for this year.

With tight end George Kittle due for a big extension, the Niners will have to tread carefully when it comes to the cap. Tartt may end up being a casualty of the economic fallout of the pandemic, which will have a major impact on the NFL salary cap.

How do you think the 49ers’ secondary will look going into the 2021 season?

On to some links:

We all know Patrick Mahomes got paid! One 49ers’ defensive player took to social media to congratulate the Chiefs’ QB. (NBC Bay Area)

The NFL is hoping to have training camps begin by the end of the month. Fansided’s Rory Humphrey looks at 10 Niners he expects to show out at camp.

San Francisco made a move after DJ Reed suffered an injury during offseason training. SI’s Leo Luna caught up with the newest Niner, cornerback Jamar Taylor.

Hopefully Deebo Samuel doesn’t have any setbacks while recovering from his Jones fracture. NBC Bay Area’s Brian Witt says the 49ers should stay away from one potential superstar receiver who may be on the trade block.

Do you remember that David Carr was once a 49er? The quarterback shared an interesting story with NFL.com about why he probably should’ve signed with another NFC West squad.

The Arizona Cardinals have been widely praised for the moves they have mad over the past few months. Fansided’s Jaime Cybulski looks at who had the better offseason out of the 49ers and Cardinals.