The Houston Texans are reportedly expected to sign former San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward, per multiple reports. Ward is an unrestricted free agent, and the move will reunite him with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Niners' former defensive coordinator.
The #Texans are expected to sign former #49ers DB Jimmie Ward, sources say, giving new coach DeMeco Ryans a familiar face and leader in his defensive backfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023
#Texans are set to sign former #49ers safety Jimmie Ward, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2023
San Francisco drafted Ward (5-11, 195) out of Northern Illinois with the No. 30 overall pick in 2014. He registered 50 tackles, a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hits, five passes defensed, three interceptions, and a forced fumble through 12 game appearances (five starts) with the 49ers last season, per Pro Football Reference.
Ward, 31, has recorded 451 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, five quarterback hits, three sacks, 44 passes defensed, seven interceptions, two touchdowns, and five forced fumbles in 106 game appearances (79 starts) through his nine NFL seasons.