The San Francisco 49ers have some difficult choices to make this offseason. The team has several players scheduled to become free agents. At least one of them said on Wednesday that he would prefer to return to the 49ers.
The 49ers convened for one last meeting and to clean out their lockers before breaking for the offseason. They won't return until the team's offseason program kicks off.
Safety Jimmie Ward was playing on a one-year deal and remained healthy throughout the season. He started alongside his close friend and former high-school teammate, Jaquiski Tartt, and would like to continue doing so. Ward told reporters on Wednesday that the 49ers have the "upper hand" as his preferred landing spot for next season, according to Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee.
When it comes to his free agency, FS Jimmie Ward said the #49ers have the "upper hand" as a preferred landing spot.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) February 5, 2020
Ward could see some demand in free agency. It's unknown if he would be willing to take less money to remain with the 49ers, who have decisions to make on other players — like Arik Armstead and Emmanuel Sanders — as well.
Plus, San Francisco would reportedly like to lock up tight end George Kittle for the foreseeable future. That will require making him the highest-paid tight end in football, which could reportedly cost around $13 million per year.