49ers Sign Myles Hartsfield

The 49ers just added another defensive player.

They signed safety Myles Hartsfield, according to reports. Of the five players the 49ers have added in free agency so far, Hartsfield is the fourth defensive player and second defensive back.

Hartsfield, 25, started 19 games for the Panthers the past two seasons, including 10 games this past season when Steve Wilks was Carolina's defensive coordinator. Now Wilks is the 49ers defensive coordinator, so they know each other, plus Hartsfield fits what Wilks wants to do on defense and has lots of starting experience.

Which means safety no longer is a major need for the 49ers after losing Jimmie Ward to the Houston Texans and Tarvarius Moore to the Green Bay Packers in free agency. Now, the 49ers have four safeties with starting experience: Talanoa Hufanga, Tashaun Gipson, George Odum and Hartsfield. The 49ers still could draft a safety in the upcoming draft, but usually only four safeties make the team. So Hartsfield might have to compete with a rookie to make the 53-man roster.

Hartsfield isn't a lock to make the team, but he is a relatively young safety who fits the defensive scheme, so he has a good chance. Remember, the 49ers have a brand new defensive coordinator this year. Perhaps that's why they're adding so many new defensive players.

The 49ers have three compensatory draft picks at the end of Round 3 -- pick Nos. 99, 101 and 102. Instead of drafting a safety with one of those picks, look for the 49ers to take an edge rusher or an offensive tackle, or maybe even a tight end. The 49ers still have other needs.