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49ers camp: Robert Saleh says key position battle is 'wide-open'

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 season looking to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 campaign, but have no shortage of position battles to settle in training camp. While the roster still boasts proven talent, several starting spots—and key depth roles—remain very much up for grabs.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made it clear this week that nothing is set in stone, and competition is heating up across the board.

Along the defensive front, the team is looking for consistent production opposite All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa. The interior defensive tackle rotation also remains fluid, with multiple players competing for playing time. One of the more intriguing competitions lies at weakside linebacker, where the 49ers must determine who will line up next to All-Pro Fred Warner.

There are even multiple competitions in the secondary. Who will earn that important nickel cornerback job, a position that plays a pivotal role in today's pass-heavy NFL?

Even more uncertainty exists at safety. With Talanoa Hufanga departing in free agency and promising second-year player Malik Mustapha recovering from an ACL injury, the 49ers must identify who will anchor the back end of their defense. Mustapha's rehab looks ahead of schedule, but he is likely to begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after suffering his injury in last season's finale.

To bolster depth, San Francisco drafted Kansas State safety Marques Sigle in the fifth round, adding another intriguing piece to the mix. Ji'Ayir Brown and offseason acquisition Jason Pinnock appear to be the early favorites to start in Week 1. Still, camp performances will ultimately determine who takes the field when the regular season kicks off.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh emphasized the level of competition during Thursday's media session, particularly at safety.

"It's wide open," Saleh said. "Pinnock is coming in, Richie Grant, Sigle being a rookie. Obviously, Ji'Ayir, Mustapha. And then there's some young guys back there that are fresh with [Jaylen] Mahoney and [CB Derek] Canteen and [CB Siran] Neal.

"I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody, but it is a wide-open competition at safety—at both spots."

With so many roles unsettled and so much young talent vying to replace departed veterans, 49ers training camp promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.