Nick Sorensen shares why he’s ‘excited’ for Talanoa Hufanga’s return to the 49ers

“I just think safeties today and defensive backs today, you need to be versatile,” San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said to the local media on Friday. You need to be adaptable since criminals want to expose you in specific ways. We enjoy it when men are adaptable.

Sorensen was alluding to Tatum Bethune, Malik Mustapha, and Renardo Green, the three 2024 draft selections. As a rookie, every player will try to establish some sort of niche for themselves on the squad.

It’s not shocking that Mustapha was chosen. The beginning of free agency coincided with the release of a report claiming that safety Talanoa Hufanga’s starting position in 2024 was uncertain. How quickly Hufanga will return to his prior level of performance following an ACL tear is hard to predict. San Francisco showed that they were serious about adding a safety when they signed safety Julian Blackmon of the Indianapolis Colts.

Both the safety and cornerback positions are in turmoil now that the NFL draft and the signing period have passed, which isn’t always a terrible thing.

Sorensen has the option to use his staff for several products. That may entail six cornerbacks, three safety looks, and linebacker safeties. There are countless options, and the coaching staff has the months of May, June, July, and August to determine who is capable of what at the highest caliber.

Hufanga is scheduled to perform. There is no disputing that. An All-Pro is not someone you want to bench. That is not to argue that Talanoa is a perfect player. Hufanga is in a position to produce plays because of his awareness and comprehension. For a season and a half, we have witnessed that.

Sorensen gave an explanation for his excitement at having Hufanga rejoin the team: