49ers pick up fifth year on Ward’s contract

After the 49ers didn't selected a free safety in the draft, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Saturday he was impressed by the way former cornerback Jimmie Ward played the position in the 49ers' first minicamp. Ward, a 2014 first-round pick, has been moved to a position that is among the most vital in first-year defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's 4-3 defense. Ward was the 49ers' nickel corner his first two seasons, before he moved to outsider corner in 2016. Because he played corner in his third season in the league, his 2018 contract is worth $8.53 million.