Jaquiski Tartt back in 49ers secondary after signing deal
Jaquiski Tartt’s 49ers career is not done yet, and that could be quite helpful for a secondary facing changes at cornerback.
Tartt, despite several injuries in recent seasons, is renown by teammates and coaches for his communication and organizational skills. He signed up Monday for a seventh season, agreeing to a one-year deal.
“My role is simple. Go do what I’ve been doing, communicate and make sure everybody is lined up,” Tartt said on a video call with reporters. “Fred (Warner), Jimmie (Ward), we all communicate on defense. It’s not just one player. But it’s all about communication.
“Especially when I’m on the field, I over-communicate.”
General manager John Lynch championed Tartt’s skillset, and that endorsement carries clout considering Lynch is entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year for his days as a NFL safety. “Jaquiski is an extremely skilled and versatile player who provides excellent communication skills for our defense. Welcome back Quiski!” Lynch said in a statement.
The 49ers locked up another veteran safety Monday in getting Tavon Wilson on a one-year deal, as well. Wilson played last year for the Indianapolis Colts after four seasons with the Detroit Lions and four with the New England Patriots.
“I approach every day as if somebody is going to take my job,” Tartt said of not taking for granted his starting role.
A Nov. 5 turf toe injury kept Tartt out the remainder of last season, and he said recovery is going well after surgery.
His return could make the 49ers’ transition smoother if they forge ahead without cornerbacks Richard Sherman and K’Waun Williams, who remain free agents.
The 49ers have resigned projected starters Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley, plus veteran backup Dontae Johnson.
As for Williams’ free agency that’s attracted multiple teams, Tartt said: “He’s going to do what’s best for him, and I feel the best thing for him is to come here. It’d be great to get him back. He’s another guy who is very valuable to our secondary.”
The 49ers will have back their other top safeties: starter Jimmie Ward (Tartt’s high school teammate in Mobile, Ala.) and backups Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris. Other safeties include Kai Nacua, Jared Mayden, Chris Edwards, Obi Melifonwu and Wilson.
Tartt’s impact on the field is more about his overall influence on the defense’s back end rather than play-making stats. In his career, he’s totaled only four interceptions, four sacks and two forced fumbles.
With DeMeco Ryans taking over as defensive coordinator, Tartt half-jokingly said he hopes that translates to 12 blitzes a game from him.
Tartt hasn’t finished a season healthy three of the past four years. He missed four games in 2019 with a rib injury before returning for the playoff run to Super BowlLIV.
A second-round draft pick in 2015 by then-general manager Trent Baalke, Tartt’s missed 26 of 64 games the past four seasons. His career has been hindered by injuries to his knee, quadriceps, arm, shoulder, groin and toe.
Staying healthy and starting alongside Ward every game is a goal, one that’s eluded the injuryprone duo from Davidson High School.
“To be back one more year with Jimmie and have a complete season, with both me and Jimmie on the field, is something me and him wanted to do, to show we can be the top tandem that we believe we are,” Tartt said.
Others the 49ers resigned this month include Harris, Verrett, Moseley, defensive tackle D.J. Jones, left tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight ends Ross Dwelley and Daniel Helm.
“I had a lot of interest,” Tartt said of free agency. “I’ve been here my whole time in the NFL. It’s like a family here. It was coming back to where I was familiar with.
“Everybody feels like your brother or sister. It’s a great environment to be in,” Tartt added. “Other players who come (to the 49ers) say, ‘I aint’ used to this.’ To hear that, I know I’m in a great place.”