San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown is heading into one of the biggest summers of his career, and the stakes are hard to miss. He is a free agent after this season, which leaves a wide spread of possible outcomes: he could be benched, he could be let go after the year, or he could even land a long-term extension before the season begins.
That uncertainty is exactly why Brown stands out as the player to watch in training camp.
Brown was originally drafted in the 2023 NFL draft to provide depth, but an injury to Talanoa Hufanga forced him into action much sooner than expected. He ended up starting from 12 through the end of his rookie season.
In 2024, he started most of the year as well, largely because Gipson and Hufanga were injured. But once Hufanga returned, the 49ers benched Brown late in the season. Then in 2025, the team even tried to open with Jason Pinnock ahead of him.
That pattern has repeated over and over: the 49ers keep trying to push Brown out of the starting lineup, and Brown keeps finding his way back in. This offseason, the team has again brought in competition, adding Ashtyn Davis to the mix. Marques Sigle is also entering year two and already has starting experience.
Through four seasons, the message is clear enough - the 49ers have never fully trusted Brown to hold down a starting job without competition. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris also has no prior connection to Brown, which could make it easier for him to move Brown to the bench or into a dime role if he isn’t impressed.
Because of that, the most likely path may be Brown playing out this final year in whatever role he earns, then the team moving on.
Still, Brown has a habit of beating expectations. The 49ers could try to replace him and end up deciding he is still their best option.
There is also a scenario where Brown comes in at a price that looks more like low-end starter money or quality depth money. If that happens, the 49ers would have no problem keeping him around beyond this season.
So while Brown rarely gets much attention, his situation could change quickly. A lot can happen with him over the next month, and he is a key name to keep an eye on this summer.
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Kyle Shanahan Concussion Could Leave 49ers Facing A Brutal Unknown
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The bigger concern is what comes next, since concussion recovery can be unpredictable and the team does not have a clear timetable for his return. Even if Shanahan is able to get back on the sideline, lingering issues like fatigue, headaches, memory problems or trouble concentrating could complicate the process, and the 49ers will be watching closely for any signs he is not fully ready to coach again. [Read more 🡒]
49ers May Already Regret Passing On Better Kittle Insurance
The 49ers spent the offseason leaning on continuity at tight end, bringing back Jake Tonges and adding undrafted free agent Khalil Dinkins rather than chasing a proven veteran to stabilize the room. It was a low-cost approach that made sense on paper, especially with George Kittle still the centerpiece of the position, but it also left San Francisco without much of a safety net if the depth chart gets tested early.
Elsewhere in the league, the Chargers opted for a more aggressive backup plan by adding a veteran tight end in May, the kind of move that can look prudent when a team is trying to protect itself against injury uncertainty. For the 49ers, the decision not to follow that path feels a little more notable now, because Kittles availability remains the hinge point for how secure this group really is heading into the season. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Camp Opened With One Encouraging Sign And One Familiar Concern
The 49ers opened camp with a little of everything, including the kind of early health check that always matters in late July. John Lynch was around practice with a wrap on his broken left hand, sunglasses on and a noticeably careful gait, while Brock Purdy handled the first day of work efficiently even without Kyle Shanahan taking the play-calling reins. Around him, the offense and defense both offered a few useful first impressions, from Ricky Pearsall looking fully healthy to Talanoa Hufanga and Malik Mustapha showing up around the football.
Pearsalls condition may be the most encouraging subplot of the day, especially after he appeared sturdier than he did in previous camps. Simi Fehoko also made an early impression by working with the backups and quickly becoming a preferred target for Mac Jones in drills, while the defense had its own moments with Greenlaw practicing without limitations and Mustapha nearly coming up with a deep interception. For a team that spent much of the offseason talking about depth and durability, the first day at least gave them a few reasons to feel better - even if the biggest questions are still waiting to be answered. [Read more 🡒]