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
-
49ers signing LB Quinton Bell to a one-year deal
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are signing free-agent linebacker Quinton Bell to a one-year contract. 49ers are signing former Dolphins free-agent LB Quinton Bell to a one-year contract.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026 Bell was one... -
49ers coach says revamped receiving corps has 'taken a big step' from last year
The San Francisco 49ers significantly revamped their wide receiver room this offseason, adding veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk while using the No. 33 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Despite fielding the NFL's fifth-ranked passing offense... -
49ers Training Camp: 5 Second-Year Players Poised to Make a Leap in 2026
With training camps officially opening all around the NFL, there is no shortage of questions surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' camp. Will Brock Purdy's game and leadership continue to ascend? How will defensive stars Fred Warner and Nick Bosa look after season-ending... -
49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal
The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, signing the veteran playmaker to a one-year, $7 million contract. Reunion: Free agent WR Deebo Samuel is signing back with the #49ers, sources say. The former #Commanders and SF pass-catcher returns where...