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Kyle’s update, 9:01 a.m.: The 49ers have agreed to a one-year deal to sign Wilson.
The #49ers have agreed to terms with #Colts FA defensive back Tavon Wilson on a 1-year deal, source said. He spent the earlier portion of his career with the #Lions and #Patriots.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers have yet to address the safety position this offseason. Jaquiski Tartt remains a free agent. While Tarvarius Moore showed encouraging signs during the 2020 season, there isn’t much depth behind him and Jimmie Ward.
NBC Sports Matt Maiocco reported that the Niners are interested in Tavon Wilson, who played for the Patriots, Colts, and the Lions. Wilson played just over 200 snaps last season with the Colts. In 2019, he was a starter on the Lions defense in 13 games but saved fewer points per game than Moore did last season. Wilson, who is 31, would likely serve as a depth piece behind Moore.
Wilson’s value is on special teams, where he can cover kicks and punts while blocking on both the kick and punt return teams. San Francisco needs to improve its special teams cover units. It’ll help if players stay healthy and the team doesn’t have to use practice squad and players signed off the street.
It’d also be nice not to use your starters like Kyle Juszczyk or last year when Kendrick Bourne was on the kick/punt return units. Veterans like Wilson could make a difference. I doubt he’d be brought in as a starter, though Wilson would have an opportunity to compete.