At just 26 years old, Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller signed a $3.25 million deal with the team this offseason after spending his first four years with the Los Angeles Rams. During his time in L.A., Fuller started 46 games, recording 279 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and 7 interceptions. He was also part of the Rams’ Super Bowl 56-winning squad.
Now, an analyst suggests that the San Francisco 49ers should consider trading for the veteran safety. San Francisco’s secondary has yet to record an interception this season, and injuries are mounting.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward is dealing with a knee injury, while safety Talanoa Hufanga has a wrist injury expected to sideline him for over a month, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin compiled a list of potential trades teams should consider ahead of the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline, and for the 49ers, he believes adding depth to the secondary is crucial, naming Fuller as a potential target.
“San Francisco’s back end is banged up and giving up too many big plays. They rented safety help in 2023 and could do it again,” Benjamin wrote on October 8. “Fuller is still young and offers long-term upside after his four seasons with the Rams.”
Would the 49ers Trade for Jordan Fuller?
It’s a possibility, but Fuller’s health is a concern. He was placed on injured reserve on September 24 with a hamstring injury, and hamstring issues are often slow to heal. Adding another injured player may not solve San Francisco’s secondary problems.
When healthy, Fuller is a solid run defender with competent coverage skills. According to Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks have a collective 95.8 passer rating when targeting him over his five-year career. If Fuller recovers fully, he could be a valuable addition.
Fuller has logged most of his career snaps at free safety (1,946) and is known for his tackling ability—an area where the 49ers could improve. Current second-year free safety Ji’Ayir Brown has a missed tackle rate of 14.1% in his first two seasons, so Fuller could be a definite upgrade in that respect.
In coverage, Brown has been on par with Fuller, allowing a 97.9 passer rating when targeted. But Benjamin’s suggestion that Fuller could be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition is valid, especially considering his reasonable contract.
49ers’ Defensive Concerns
San Francisco’s defense has had its challenges this season, giving up seven passing touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns, and three plays of 40+ yards or more. Still, the team is allowing just 197.0 passing yards per game, ranking 12th in the NFL ahead of Week 6.
“We need to be more aggressive,” 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said, addressing the lack of interceptions. “There are opportunities out there. We need the mindset that when the ball is up, it’s ours. We need to attack more.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Sorensen’s handling of the defense. “Nick’s doing a good job. I’ve been impressed with him since the beginning,” Shanahan said on October 8. “I like how he works with the defensive staff and sets up practices, and I’ve liked his game plans.”
The 49ers face a short week with a visit to the Seattle Seahawks on October 10. It remains to be seen if their secondary will rise to the challenge.
