San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga is entering NFL free agency for the first time in his career, and the former USC Trojans defender figures to be a hot commodity on the market. Could the Houston Texans and coach DeMeco Ryans sign Hufanga?
November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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After going from a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft to All-Pro honors, San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga has accomplished a lot the first four years of his NFL career. As a result, the former USC Trojans defender is expected to have a sizable amount of suitors on the open market with NFL free agency right around the corner.

Despite the obvious flashes of talent he’s shown when healthy, Hufanga’s market will be dictated by how teams view his medical history. The lack of games played over the past few seasons is a definite red flag, but regardless, the California native remains one of the top defensive talents available in the 2025 NFL free agency class.

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Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Matt Bowen of ESPN said that Hufanga’s talent alone earns him a spot at No. 16 among the top 100 free agents in the NFL.

“Injuries have limited Hufanga to 17 games over the past two seasons. However, the former All-Pro is a natural disruptor when he’s healthy. In 49 career games, Hufanga has 7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1 defensive touchdown. He is at his best in a defined coverage scheme that allows him to play in split-field alignments and spin down to roam the front,” Bowen said.

Hufanga ranks as the 11th-best defender available in free agency and is the third ranked safety on the market according to ESPN. Interestingly enough, the only other Trojan to make the list was quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 4

 

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