49ers: Ranking San Francisco’s top 3 offseason needs

2. Secondary

Aside from Sanders, re-signing safety Jimmie Ward could prove challenging if Armstead is given his long-term deal. But even if he doesn’t walk in free agency, addressing the secondary remains a must.

Richard Sherman was phenomenal in 2019 but he’ll be 32-years-old later this month and will be on the final year of his contract next season. On top of that, both Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley flashed at times last year, but remain too inconsistent.

Addressing cornerback in the draft seems like the best option, especially after waiting until the sixth round in 2019 to even select a secondary player.

If Ward walks, safety becomes a top need too.

Tarvarius Moore has developed nicely as a safety and could conceivably take over for Ward, but there will be a noticeable drop-off from the veteran to the likes of Moore and Marcell Harris.

The 49ers would be wise to target safety in the draft if Ward does indeed walk free. But again, even if he is re-signed, planning for the future at cornerback must be a priority.