It's looking likely that Ward will transition back to the position that he became accustomed to in college – safety. Ward has played both safety and corner since being drafted by the 49ers in 2014. In 2016, he was praised by the previous coaching staff as the team's best cornerback and ended up being graded as the team's second-best defensive back by Pro Football Focus. The only defensive back graded higher was cornerback Tramaine Brock, who is no longer on the team following an arrest in early April.
Like so many other 49ers players, Ward ended the 2016 season on injured reserve following a shoulder injury suffered during a December matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
The 49ers are transitioning to a single-high safety scheme and Ward is expected to fill that role. He is entering his fourth season with the 49ers and has accumulated 110 tackles, two sacks, 20 passes defended, and two interceptions over his three seasons.
"We think he can play at a high level at both positions but that's something that's going to have to do with how he ends up showing us in practice and how our roster ends up panning out," head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media following the start of the team's offseason program in April.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL reveals 49ers' nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
The NFL has revealed its 32 nominees for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which honors players for their excellence on and off the field. Representing the San Francisco 49ers for the second consecutive year is linebacker Curtis Robinson. The 49ers... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses futures of Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined The TK Show with Tim Kawakami and discussed the futures of two key players—Brandon Aiyuk and Mac Jones. Recent reporting revealed that the 49ers voided Aiyuk's guaranteed money for 2026, a move many viewed as signaling an... -
49ers' Shanahan still hopes Aiyuk returns this season—but isn't counting on it
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch didn't sound particularly optimistic Tuesday morning when discussing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's chances of returning this season. Appearing on Bay Area radio station KNBR, Lynch emphasized that while he remains hopeful, he can't... -
49ers' Brock Purdy may have a request for Mac Jones, explains sideline arm brace
Last year, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy surprised his offensive linemen with Toyota vehicles—an extravagant gesture considering he had not yet signed his lucrative contract extension. Of course, Purdy was an endorsement partner for Toyota at the time, meaning...