"I feel like I made plays wherever they put me, and I dealt with injuries all throughout my career, and I bounced back -- resilience at its finest," Ward said last month. "I proved a lot of doubters wrong. I'm still going to prove more doubters wrong. It's just who I am as a person."
Ward began the 2022 season on injured reserve due to a grade two hamstring strain. He returned in Week 5 and fractured his hand on a special teams play. That sidelined him for a few more weeks.
Upon Ward's return, the defensive back had to decide whether to play at a new position or ride the bench. The 49ers liked the play from the veteran safety Tashaun Gipson, and coach Shanahan wanted Ward to slide to the nickel corner position.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ward completed the 2022 season with 440 snaps played at nickel. He allowed 57 receptions on 70 targets for 440 receiving yards. Ward recorded 41 tackles, 13 assists, five missed tackles, 19 stops, three interceptions, and a forced fumble while allowing four touchdowns. His numbers may not overly impress anyone when it comes to being a potential top corner, but he was efficient on the football field.
Perhaps the 49ers changing Ward's position helped him in the long run. The franchise tag on safeties in 2023 is approximately $14.5 million. The franchise tag on a cornerback is roughly $18 million, almost $4 million more. When Ward hits free agency, will it be as a safety or a cornerback? The vast majority of his snaps came at cornerback. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, cornerback would be his position.
Of course, it has been reported that it is unlikely the 49ers will utilize the franchise tag at all this offseason, so that may not matter. Ward is almost sure to hit free agency, and his role on a new team would be up to him and his new coach. But if a team is paying him cornerback money, he might be willing to continue in that role.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne P. Brown
Wayne P. Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne P. Brown
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Did the 49ers keep their Super Bowl window open?
After significant roster turnover last offseason, many questioned whether the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl window was closing. While the team retained key cornerstone players, critics worried the loss of depth might be too much to overcome. That depth was certainly tested... -
Two NFL mock drafts have 49ers targeting offensive line help
The San Francisco 49ers' first-round position in the 2026 NFL Draft is now set following Sunday's playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. With the Bears' loss, San Francisco officially secured the No. 27 overall pick, sparking early speculation about how... -
49ers legend Steve Young pinpoints two offensive fixes to help Brock Purdy thrive
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy enjoyed a productive 2025 season after returning from a turf toe injury. The team won six straight games following his return before closing the regular season with a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy finished the year... -
49ers' John Lynch on Jauan Jennings: "We'd love to have him back"
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings' future remains uncertain. After expressing frustration over his contract last year, the team restructured the final year of his deal, allowing the fan-favorite to earn additional incentives. Jennings is set to become a free...