When asked about the signing at the NFL's annual league meeting, Shanahan raved about Ward's ability in man-coverage, as well as his demeanor, which adds an electric presence to the locker room.
"I just liked how he played bump coverage the most," Shanahan shared. "I mean, they put him on an island a lot. He's got extreme[ly] long arms. He never panics. He's got very quick feet. He stays on top of guys. They put him in some positions that a lot of guys would just back up and play a little timid, and I never saw him change. I liked his style, and getting to meet the guy, I feel real happy that he's a 49er."
Ward was excellent in man coverage last season, allowing a 40% completion rate, 46.6% expected completion rate, and 46.7% tight-window rate, all of which ranked first in the NFL.
Additionally, Ward was a stout tackler—a primary discipline for 49ers' cornerbacks—missing just 4.3% of his tackles last season.
While the reported terms of Ward's contract were a three-year, $40 million deal, here is the full breakdown of the newly-signed 49er's contract.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
@RohanChakrav
YouTube Channel
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan surges in Coach of the Year race after late-season success
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to draw praise after Sunday night's win over the Chicago Bears, a victory that set up a high-stakes Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On the line: the NFC West title, the NFC's No. 1 seed, and home-field... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals expectations for Brock Purdy in Week 18 showdown vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers have a lot at stake in Saturday night's regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. The winner will claim the NFC West title and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, which includes home-field advantage throughout the... -
49ers vs. Eagles: Kyle Shanahan says past matchups don't matter in Wild Card showdown
Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't dwell on the San Francisco 49ers squandering a chance at the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Fresh off a disappointing Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Shanahan and the 49ers quickly shifted their focus to the reality in front of them: a... -
Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers updates ahead of playoff game vs. Eagles
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Monday, two days after the team's 13-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and as the team prepares for its Wild Card playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here's everything he...