Could Hufanga be the playmaking safety the Giants need in 2025?
As the 2025 NFL free agency period approaches, one name to keep an eye on is Talanoa Hufanga, the All-Pro safety from the San Francisco 49ers. Hufanga, who will be an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 12, is expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive players available. Pro Football Focus recently ranked him as the 23rd-best free agent, with the New York Giants considered his best landing spot.
PFF says:
After battling injuries over the past two seasons, Hufanga’s performances have dipped, culminating in a career-low 57.8 overall grade in 2024. At just 26 years old, however, the safety still has time to regain his form and showcase his playmaking ability.
The Giants, looking to stabilize their secondary, recently hired former Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel. Manuel has had success with single-high defensive schemes, something the Giants may hope to emulate with Hufanga.
A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Hufanga quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic safeties in the league. He earned an All-Pro selection in 2022. He has seven interceptions and 14 passes defensed in his four-year career.
However, Hufanga battled injuries the past two seasons. He missed nine games with a wrist injury in 2024, and played 10 games in 2023 before suffering a torn ACL.
For the Giants, Hufanga represents an intriguing option to help stabilize their secondary. The addition of a versatile safety like Hufanga to pair with Tyler Nubin could be a major boost.
While Hufanga’s injury history may be a concern, his potential for a bounce-back year could make him a bargain for a team willing to take a chance. For the Giants, who are looking for playmaking talent in the secondary, Hufanga’s ability to create turnovers and his leadership on the field could make him an excellent fit.
