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.
49ers' new ball hawk? Jason Pinnock aims for starting role and takeaways
By David Bonilla
Jul 7
The San Francisco 49ers' signing of safety Jason Pinnock may have flown under the radar this offseason, but it could prove to be a valuable move, especially with second-year safety Malik Mustapha not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season as he continues to...
49ers' Jason Pinnock reveals offensive teammate who is a 'headache' to face
By David Bonilla
Jul 7
San Francisco 49ers safety Jason Pinnock is gearing up for a potential starting role in the Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran defensive back is going through his first offseason with the team after signing as a free agent in March, and is looking forward...
49ers insider: Brandon Aiyuk has 'a chance' to be ready for Week 1
By David Bonilla
Jul 10
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is widely expected to start the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, potentially sidelining him for at least the first four games. He continues to recover from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October...
Trade revisited: 49ers lost the Deebo Samuel deal, says Bleacher Report
By David Bonilla
Jul 8
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently revisited the NFL's biggest offseason trades and free-agent signings, regrading each move with the 2025 season on the horizon. Among them was the San Francisco 49ers' decision to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington...