The San Francisco 49ers released their unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, listing Jason Pinnock and Ji'Ayir Brown as the starting safeties. The update quickly fueled discussion among fans on social media.
It's important to note, however, that this depth chart is compiled by the 49ers' communications staff, not the coaching staff, meaning it serves more as a projection than a final decision for the start of the 2025 season.
With Malik Mustapha sidelined due to injury, many fans are eager to see rookie Marques Sigle—who impressed during the preseason—earn a starting role in Sunday's opener.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that he already knows who the starting safeties will be, but he's not ready to disclose that information publicly. When asked if holding back the names of those players provided a tactical advantage for the upcoming matchup, Shanahan said, "I don't think [it's] a huge advantage. There could be a little advantage. I don't want to give any advantage."
Of course, Shanahan didn't rule out the possibility that the unofficial depth chart could be accurate.
"I love Ji'Ayir," Shanahan said. "He got his opportunity when Huf (former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga) got hurt, and he came in—I want to say it was seven games his rookie year—after Huf got hurt, and I thought he had a hell of a year.
"I thought he battled a lot of stuff last year with injuries, and he battled a lot of stuff in this offseason, too, and then had a setback in training camp where he missed some time. But the more Tig (Brown) is out there, Ji'Ayir, the better he gets, the more consistent he gets. But he's just been up and down with injuries."
The mystery around who lines up at safety against the Seahawks remains unsolved—for now.
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