Forget loyalty; one Jets player terminated his contract and announced to follow Robert Saleh to the 49ers.
Robert Saleh might help the 49ers sign Jets free agents now that he is back as defensive coordinator. Only one Jets player is expected to follow Saleh to the 49ers out of the 23 players who are scheduled to become free agents in March.
Ashtyn Davis, the safety, is that player. His name won’t make much of a difference, if at all. He does, however, fill a need for the 49ers and settles in fast under Saleh. If he signs with the 49ers, he could even be their second-best safety.
The only player the 49ers can trust is Malik Mustapha. They can’t say that about Ji’Ayir Brown, who was benched for Talanoa Hufanga, who was injured and missed two months of play.
On a stronger defense, Davis can provide depth and starting potential. He improves the quality to a certain extent for the position that sorely needs it, but I wouldn’t be confident in him starting. And he won’t be that expensive.
With other more pressing needs, including a pass rusher, the 49ers aren’t in a position to cash out the best safety in free agency. The 49ers should sign Davis because he is a player Saleh would likely suggest.
Hasson Reddick won’t be there. There is no relationship because Saleh never coached a game while he was active. For obvious reasons, neither Javon Kinlaw nor Solomon Thomas will be involved. D.J. Reed is the only other player that might make sense, but he is a luxury acquisition and will be expensive.
Other than the players I mentioned, there aren’t many Jets free agents that stick out. The 49ers should bring in a cheap player like Davis in order to add depth and have a chance at a starter.
