Lions projected to pursue 49ers $4.9 million All-Pro

The San Francisco 49ers have a handful of players hitting free agency this offseason.

San Francisco surely won't look the same in 2025 as it won't be able to keep the entire roster intact while also possibly handing Brock Purdy a lucrative extension. One player who will be hitting the open market is All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga. 

His cap hit this season is just over $4.9 million this year and surely will be much more next year when he lands a deal in free agency. He's one of the better safeties in football, although he appeared in just seven games in 2024. Hufanga was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2022 and should be highly sought after this offseason.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed Hufanga as the eighth-best free agent hitting the open market and one team he linked to the star safety was the Detroit Lions.

"Based on past production, Hufanga should be considered one of the top defensive backs headed into free agency," Knox said. "Fast, physical and with a keen eye for diagnosing plays, he can add a disruptive presence to any secondary. When fully healthy in 2022, Hufanga rallied two forced fumbles, four interceptions and five tackles for loss while earning first-team All-Pro honors. He'll turn only 26 next month...

"The Lions, who have $69.8 million in projected 2025 cap space, should be interested in adding another difference-maker to their secondary. Detroit took a flier on safety Jamal Adams during the season but ultimately released him from its practice squad. Potential Suitors: Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions."

Detroit likely will be linked to all of the top free agents in some capacity because it seems like the Lions will be a hot spot this offseason.