49ers preparing to face 'Tasmanian devil' ex-teammate in Week 4
Talanoa Hufanga is having a huge year for the Broncos after he started his career with the 49ers. Now, he'll face is old teammates.
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face former teammate and defensive standout Talanoa Hufanga in Week 4. Hufanga's skills and playmaking ability have been nothing short of remarkable, as highlighted by his former 49ers teammates. Christian McCaffrey, who played alongside Hufanga, praised his football IQ and all-around abilities, calling him "a football player."
Fred Warner, another 49ers linebacker, described Hufanga's playmaking as "like a Tasmanian devil out there" – fast, physical, and instinctive. Hufanga's ability to make game-changing plays is undeniable. In a Sunday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, he recorded five tackles, a sack, and two game-changing interceptions, including a return for a game-tying touchdown and the game-sealing interception in the final seconds.
Drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round out of USC in 2021, Hufanga played 49 games and started 37 times over four seasons. His 2022 season was a breakout year, with four interceptions, 97 tackles, and a Pro Bowl nod. He earned first-team All-Pro honors that year. Hufanga signed a three-year, $45 million contract with $20 million guaranteed with the Denver Broncos in March 2025, and he's already making an impact, with 17 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack through three games in 2026.
The 49ers now face the challenge of devising a game plan to tackle Hufanga's elusive instincts and game-changing abilities.
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