The San Francisco 49ers admittedly gambled on signing Jason Verrett last offseason. Why would it be a gamble to add a Pro Bowl cornerback to your defense? After being a first-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2014, Verrett had just one healthy season — that 2015 Pro Bowl year. He has landed on injured reserve in each of his other five NFL seasons, including last season with the 49ers.
Verrett nearly made it back in 2019. He made one game appearance, taking part in just four defensive snaps before being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Safety Jimmie Ward knows what it's like to be plagued by injuries. He landed on injured reserve four times before last year's breakout performance in a season during which he managed to remain relatively healthy. It earned him a three-year contract extension with San Francisco.
Ward feels Verrett is primed to prove doubters wrong, based on what he has seen so far during the 49ers' training camp walk-throughs.
"He looks very focused. He looks ready too," Ward said of Verrett on Tuesday via a video conference call. "He's probably anxious; I can feel his vibes. He's anxious to get back on the field just to show people what he can do because he's a former Pro Bowler."
Both Ward and Verrett were first-round picks by their respective teams in 2014. The Chargers selected Verrett just five spots ahead of the 49ers selecting Ward.
"He came out in the draft with me, so I always watched him since college," Ward continued. "I know what he can do. It's all about just going out on the field, and just staying consistent with it."
San Francisco re-signed Verrett in April to a one-year deal, hoping to finally see what he can contribute to the defense. The team may get its chance if Verrett can remain healthy.