Ward started his career as No. 25 but surrendered the number to Richard Sherman in 2018. Now, he is changing it again.
Ward joins several of his defensive back teammates with the number change. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley switched from No. No. 41 to No. 4. Safety Jaquiski Tartt went from No. 29 to No. 26. Cornerback Jason Verrett is moved from No. 22 to No. 2.
San Francisco made Ward the No. 30 overall pick in 2014, drafting him out of Northern Illinois. According to Pro Football Reference, the safety recorded 73 tackles, a quarterbacks hit, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles through 14 games last season.
"I kind of know my role in this defense now," Ward told reporters on Wednesday. "But (defensive coordinator) DeMeco (Ryans), he's probably going to mix it up and show me some love, and I appreciate that. But at the end of the day, I want to make DeMeco look good, and I'm a team player. Since I've been in the league, I've been a team player. So, if I've got to (play in) man coverage, if I've got to play in the post to make the team better, then that's what I'll do.
"I don't really care about turnovers. I got paid without having a bunch of turnovers. If I ever get a bunch of turnovers, then hopefully, they can call me the best safety in the league. Until then, I'm going to do what I was doing last year and the year [before] that."
Added Ward: "I wish I could be like some other safeties, and kind of just sit in there and be a robber, but I'm too athletic for that. I can cover, and I can make open-field tackles. So, he's going to use me where he needs me at."
Ward has recorded 324 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, two interceptions, three sacks, 33 passes defensed, and four forced fumbles during his seven NFL seasons. He is the longest-tenured 49ers player.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown tabbed as breakout candidate for 2026
San Francisco 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown recently made headlines following a public disagreement with former NFL safety Donte Whitner, who has been critical of Brown's play. Brown pushed back, and Whitner called the young defensive back "delusional" for believing he performed... -
George Kittle raves about 49ers rookie Kaelon Black: 'Very fast and very mature'
Much has been made of the San Francisco 49ers selecting running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many viewed the pick as a reach, but the 49ers remain confident in their decision and believe Black can make a long-term impact. One teammate who has... -
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and... -
USA Today predicts 49ers record for 2026
Last season, the San Francisco 49ers finished with an impressive 12-5 record, despite many injuries to key players. Some injuries, like those to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall, lasted multiple weeks. But there were more devastating ones, like the season-ending...