When the 2022 season comes to an end, the San Francisco 49ers will have a lot of contracts expiring. Jimmy Garoppolo (if he is still with the team), Deebo Samuel, and Mike McGlinchey, to name a few. Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa will surely be at the top of the list for extensions. However, one player seems to go under the radar, and that is safety Jimmie Ward.
Ward will be entering his ninth season with the 49ers. He signed a three-year extension in 2020, which currently has him under contract until 2023. In 2023, Ward will be 32 years old and a free agent. Recently, on his Instagram, Ward said, "I'm going to [expletive] your favorite players up...[and] hit free agency and see what happens after the season over." I'm not sure how to receive that, but Ward should be on the top of the list of extensions for the 49ers.
Ward is a top 5 safety in the league. What makes him dangerous is his versatility. He's not a free or strong safety; he's a safety. Ward can play deep against the pass and in the box to stop the run. According to Pro Football Focus, in 2021, Ward recorded 54 tackles, 14 stops, two interceptions, and one touchdown. Showing off his versatility, Ward lined up at free safety for 544 snaps, in the box for 229 snaps, and in the slot at 203.
Ward has figured out his body and upgraded his durability. In 2021, the defender played in all 17 games, plus the playoffs. He recorded 991 snaps at the safety position. The earlier version of Jimmie Ward would get injured. However, since the 2019 season, Ward has figured out how to remain on the football field with his teammates. 2019 was arguably his best season, and it's why he was offered the three-year, $28.5 million deal.
The last reason to extend the future All-Pro is his leadership role. The 49ers improved the secondary by adding cornerback Charvarius Ward via free agency. The thing I like most about the secondary is its youth. Have you ever been to summer camp and had that cool camp counselor? That's what Jimmie Ward provides to this secondary. He's a leader, a mentor, and an outstanding teammate you want on your roster.
Ward brings that dog mentality every week, and you can see more dogs being bred out there in the secondary. Just look at the confidence levels in former rookies Ambry Thomas and Talanoa Hufanga. Both players started shakily and looked like professional veteran football players by the end of the season.
Should the 49ers look to extend Ward before, during, or after the season? Does Ward want to return to the 49ers? My guess is after he earns his All-Pro honors, he will be a Niner for life, and that price tag is priceless.
