49ers keeping tabs on former Seahawks defender they routinely targeted last season

But the ease in which they have exploited Adams' pass defense of late has seemingly not deterred the Niners, who lack experience at the safety position outside of All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga, who is coming off a torn ACL.

Ji'Ayir Brown is set to start after his impressive performances as a rookie that came after he replaced the injured Hufanga and included an interception in the Super Bowl.

Behind Brown and Hufanga, the 49ers have fourth-round rookie Malik Mustapha and special teamer George Odum. Erik Harris and Tayler Hawkins are unlikely to make the roster.

Still only 28, Adams would give them another veteran backup, but he would be one best suited to playing down in the box and as a specialized extra pass rusher. Adams does not offer the upside in coverage or versatility the 49ers desire at the safety position.

He could, however, help the Niners by playing as a de-facto linebacker. San Francisco may have to start the season without starting WILL linebacker Dre Greenlaw after his bizarre Achilles tear in the Super Bowl and, despite the signing of De'Vondre Campbell in free agency, the options to fill the void aren't exactly compelling.

Adams' play in pass defense isn't good enough for him to be considered a Greenlaw fill-in, but could he be an effective SAM linebacker on base downs with obvious pass-rush upside? That may be what the 49ers are considering.

Though the bulk of the roster construction for 2024 has finished, teams never stop looking to improve, the question the Niners must answer with Adams is whether, at this stage in his career, he positively impacts the game in enough areas to be considered a player who improves them.