The 2023 NFL offseason is drawing closer by the day, so it’s time to evaluate depth charts and determine what path each team should take to build out their rosters for the future. One key player for the San Francisco 49ers is S Jimmie Ward — we’ll review his contract and 2023 market value. Should San Francisco re-sign him or let him walk in free agency?
Jimmie Ward’s Past Production
Ward entered the NFL in 2014 and has spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s spent time aligning in various positions all over the defense and has been a solid player for the franchise over the past decade.
At 31 years of age, Ward has put together an incredibly strong campaign in 2022. He’s aligned primarily at slot corner this season, compared to free safety in previous years, and has been a lockdown option for the 49ers’ top-tier defense.
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Ward has played in nine games this year and has forced two interceptions, one forced fumble, four passes defended, and 36 combined tackles. It’s not hard to see how much of an impact he’s made for this vaunted defense when he’s been on the field.
Unfortunately, staying on the field has been a significant hurdle for Ward. Since 2014, Ward has played in 16 games in a single season just twice. He’s played in just 103 out of a possible 144 games over the course of his NFL career. He has an incredibly long injury history that’s kept him sidelined at various times, and the injury bug has hampered him this season as well.
In August, Ward suffered a hamstring injury that kept him off the field until Week 5. While he’s been a solid defender since that return, his availability is something that needs to be taken into account when discussing his future with this franchise.
Jimmie Ward’s Contract and Market Value
Ward is now at the end of a three-year deal worth $28.5 million that he signed back in 2020. He’s slated to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023.
According to Spotrac, Ward has a projected market value of a two-year contract worth $15.2 million. This breaks down to an average annual salary of $7.615 million, a number on par with contracts for the likes of Marcus Maye and Jordan Whitehead.
The San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart
Looking at the 49ers’ depth chart for 2023 and beyond, it’s unclear if they have a long-term option at slot cornerback currently on the roster. Samuel Womack III is listed as their backup slot man, but he’s also slated to hit free agency this offseason.
Based on his play, the 49ers would objectively love to have Ward back on this roster next season. However, his age and injury history and the team’s salary cap situation could ultimately play a huge role in determining whether or not he returns.
San Francisco has a big decision to make at QB that could drastically alter their salary cap space next year and moving forward. They are currently projected to have $13 million in space to re-sign free agents, but that could quickly be drained if they look to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo.
The value of the safety position also has to enter the conversation for the 49ers’ front office. With the other investments they’ve made on this defense at key positions like edge rusher, linebacker, and interior defensive line, dedicating $7.5 million per year to a slot corner might not be feasible.
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Ultimately, Ward’s an excellent player that will make an impact on an NFL roster somewhere next season, provided he can stay healthy. With his age being taken into account in addition to a lengthy injury history that will only be compounded as he gets older, it’s highly likely that San Francisco looks for a replacement option.
This option could already be on the roster, or it could be found as an inexpensive free agent this offseason. However, it’s probably in the best interest of the team for Ward to play for another franchise in 2023 if his price tag is going to be that expensive.
