The NFL offseason is chock full of blockbuster trades, front office moves, and massive free agent signings. But sometimes it's the smaller deals that end up becoming the most impactful.
The Athletic's Daniel Popper compiled a list of "NFL free-agent signings with the best chance to outproduce their contracts". One of the names on the list is new San Francisco 49ers safety Richie Grant, who inked a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
"Grant, a former second-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, started 32 games over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. But he lost his starting job when coach Raheem Morris and his staff took over in 2024. He should have a chance to compete for a starting job with the 49ers, who lost Talanoa Hufanga in free agency. Grant will have to beat out 2023 third-round pick Ji’Ayir Brown and Jason Pinnock, who San Francisco signed to a one-year, $2.2 million deal in free agency." Popper wrote.
The 49ers are believed to covet Brown, but Grant at this point in his career is a veteran who could beat out Brown in camp. Grant has intercepted three passes in his career and deflecting 17 passes.
Grant is very active in the open field, totaling over 100 tackles in his two starting seasons, including three sacks in 2023, and 10 total tackles-for-loss in his career. He's also registered six quarterback hits and four forced fumbles.
"If Grant wins the job and plays starting snaps, there is a clear avenue toward a high AV per million. The 49ers have a history of finding value on cheap safety contracts. In 2022, they paid $1.12 million in cash for veteran Tashaun Gipson Sr., who started all 17 games. Gipson’s 6.25 AV per million that season ranks second for any free agent during the 2021-24 window." added Popper.
For reference, Grant posted an AV of six in each of his two starting seasons for a pair of Falcons teams that struggled defensively. With Robert Saleh serving as his defensive coordinator, Grant could very well see his play improve, especially with the defensive talent he'd find around him.
