The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly set to sign former Detroit Lions captain Tracy Walker, bolstering their safety position after losing veteran Tashaun Gipson in free agency. With Gipson, 34, not expected to return and young safety Ji’Ayir Brown on the rise, the 49ers have chosen to add Walker, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows. The move is expected to be finalized tomorrow, requiring a corresponding roster adjustment to make space for Walker.
Earlier in the offseason, the 49ers explored other veteran safeties, including Rayshawn Jenkins and Julian Blackmon, who signed with the Seahawks and Colts, respectively. Walker, a third-round pick in 2018, spent his first season with the Lions backing up Glover Quin and Quandre Diggs before becoming a full-time starter in his second year. After a tough 2020 season where he shared the starting role, Walker rebounded in 2021, starting 15 games. However, a torn Achilles sidelined him for most of 2022, and last season, he lost his starting spot as younger players Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu took over. The Lions released Walker, clearing cap space in the process.
The 49ers don’t plan to rely on Walker as a starter, as they anticipate the return of former All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga, who missed the end of the 2023 season with a torn ACL. However, Walker’s experience offers valuable depth and a potential safety net next to Brown if Hufanga faces any setbacks in his recovery.
