Charvarius Ward is not expected to return to the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. The cornerback didn't completely rule out a return, but the emotional trauma associated with the Bay Area after the passing of his daughter had him eying a change of scenery. Additionally, the 49ers are unlikely to afford him after locking up cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a contract extension and needing to invest significantly in quarterback Brock Purdy.
The 49ers expect to have less salary cap flexibility moving forward.
Ward is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks set to hit the market. He will become an unrestricted free agent this week, and Michael Silver of The Athletic reports that Ward is drawing interest from multiple teams.
"I do not expect him to return to the 49ers," Silver wrote.
Speaking of sought-after corners... Charvarius Ward is attracting interest from numerous teams. I do not expect him to return to the 49ers. https://t.co/dL8qVOHFRm
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 10, 2025
Teams interested in Greenlaw
The 49ers would love to have linebacker Dre Greenlaw back in 2025. However, they are willing to let him test the market first.
"We're very interested in having Dre back, and [this is] one of those deals this time of year," general manager John Lynch said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "And we've had more time to do planning. But no matter how much planning you do, it always seems to—Dre should go out and see what's out there, and then we know where we have to be."
Greenlaw played just two games last season after recovering from a torn Achilles. Unfortunately, he missed the final two games of the season due to a separate setback.
Silver reports that at least three other teams are interested in acquiring Greenlaw.
"It will be hard for the 49ers to keep [LB] Fred Warner's partner in grime—not impossible, though," Silver notes.
The 49ers really want Dre Greenlaw to return. At least three other teams really want him. It will be hard for the 49ers to keep Fred Warner's partner in grime--not impossible, though.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 10, 2025
The NFL insider adds that Greenlaw showed promise during his limited action after returning from the Achilles injury. In his first game back against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15, Greenlaw recorded eight tackles in just 30 defensive snaps.
Silver notes, "[That game] should give him a robust market even coming off the Achilles injury."