The deal is worth up to $45 million. Hufanga was a rising star coming out of his second NFL season. He started all 17 games in 2022 and totaled two sacks, nine pass breakups, and four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Hufanga then tore his ACL 10 games into the 2023 season. His recovery lasted in the following season and he also missed time with a wrist injury, limiting him to just seven appearances. With a clean bill of health heading into 2025, Hufanga will look to get back on track as part of a Denver defense that ranked third in points allowed last year.

Hufanga bolsters an already sharp secondary, although the absence of DE Nick Bosa could place additional strain on the second level with a lessened ability to generate organic pressure up front. Expect Hufanga to step back into his starting safety role after missing all but two games this season.

This is a brutal two-year stretch for the 2022 first-team All-Pro. Hufanga tore his ACL in 2023 and is now sidelined at least four games due to the torn wrist ligament. The 49ers’ upcoming schedule consists of capable passing offenses, featuring the Seahawks, Chiefs, Cowboys and Buccaneers.

The team is still deciding whether to place Hufanga on injured reserve — we’d bet on that happening. Hufanga injured the wrist in the second quarter of Week 5’s game against the Cardinals. Rookie Malik Mustapha picked up most of Hufanga’s snaps and is line for more work going forward.