San Francisco 49ers Mailbag: The Future Is Looking Bright

Swapneel Singh (@illestswapneel) asked: So what do you think the Niners will do at safety next season now that Colbert is playing well and we’ll get Tartt back and also have Reid?

I like your last name.

Personally, I think this question is a perfect subject to touch on especially because we haven’t seen this much talent at safety in a while. The Goldson-Whitner duo was a fun one but the combination next year can be even better.

San Francisco 49ers

Adrian Colbert, who was a seventh round pick, is playing like a starter right now, which is so fun to see. Over the last two weeks, he forced the game-sealing fumble on DeAndre Hopkins against the Texans and also had a fumble recovery against the Titans.

He’s an athletic, do-it-all safety and if he can stay healthy, I don’t see why he doesn’t start. It seems like Jimmie Ward is always headed to IR at some point during these last few seasons. Which makes it hard to see him be a starter unless he can prove that he can stay healthy — but if he is healthy, his talent is there.

Jaquiski Tartt blew onto the scene as another do-it-all and athletic safety. His one-handed interception was a spectacular sight and he was having himself a solid season until a broken forearm ended it. He’s another hard hitter that would pair fantastically well with Colbert.

As for Eric Reid, it is unclear whether or not he will sign a contract extension. He is a very useful veteran to have on a team and I still want to see him play as a linebacker more often to see how versatile he can be.

For next season, I hope to see Tartt and Colbert as the starting tandem.