49ers Bolster Secondary, Sign Veteran Safety Ashtyn Davis to One-Year Deal

The San Francisco 49ers continued to add depth to their defense on Tuesday, signing veteran safety Ashtyn Davis to a one-year contract while waiving running back Jermar Jefferson to make room on the roster.

The move gives San Francisco an experienced defensive back as the team prepares for training camp and looks to strengthen a secondary that entered the offseason with questions surrounding depth at the safety position. Davis joins the 49ers after spending the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he appeared in 15 games and started 12 contests.  

Veteran Experience Added to the Secondary

Davis, 29, brings six years of NFL experience to San Francisco. Originally selected by the New York Jets in the third round (68th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, he appeared in 84 career games with 34 starts between the Jets and Dolphins. During that span, he accumulated 217 tackles, nine interceptions, 19 passes defended, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and a half-sack.

Last season in Miami, Davis recorded 63 tackles, four pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble while also contributing on special teams. His versatility allowed the Dolphins to deploy him at free safety, in sub-package linebacker roles, and occasionally in the slot. According to analysis of his 2025 performance, Davis excelled in deep coverage, surrendering only two completions on passes targeted 20 or more yards downfield.  

The signing addresses a need that many observers believed San Francisco still had following free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Several analysts had identified safety as a position where the 49ers could benefit from adding veteran competition and depth.  

A Homecoming for the Former Cal Star

The move also represents a return to familiar territory for Davis, a native of Santa Cruz, California, and former standout at University of California, Berkeley.

During his four-year collegiate career with the Golden Bears, Davis appeared in 49 games and started 33. He compiled 171 tackles, seven interceptions, 19 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Known for his elite athleticism, Davis was also an accomplished hurdler during his time at Cal.  

His addition continues a long tradition of former Cal defensive backs finding homes in the NFL, and it brings a Bay Area product back to Northern California after stops in New York and Miami.  

Jefferson’s Brief Stay Ends

To create a roster spot, the 49ers waived Jefferson, who had signed with the organization on May 28. The running back’s stint with the club lasted less than a week as San Francisco adjusted its roster heading into the next phase of offseason workouts.

Looking Ahead

For the 49ers, Davis offers valuable experience, special teams' ability, and proven NFL production at a position where depth can quickly become critical during a long season. While he may enter training camp competing for a rotational role, his 34 career starts and ball-hawking ability make him a player capable of contributing immediately.

With organized team activities underway and training camp approaching later this summer, Davis will have an opportunity to carve out a role in a San Francisco defense aiming to return to championship contention in 2026.