The San Francisco 49ers could be nearing the end of a long streak of title contenders.
Not only are the 49ers now in last place in the NFC West, thanks to their blowout loss at Green Bay on Sunday, but they’ll soon have to let some of their top talent enter free agency. The only question is who stays and who goes.
If the 49ers choose not to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, they will have salary flexibility more comparable to what they are currently accustomed to. But if Purdy stays and makes $50 million per season instead of $1 million, it changes the entire landscape.
One player likely to be affected is cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is in the final year of his three-year, $40.5 million contract with the 49ers. Considering San Francisco signed fellow Deommodore Lenoir to a $92 million extension earlier this month, it seems more likely than not that Ward will head elsewhere.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Ward would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers this spring in his quest to add a second Super Bowl ring to his decorated resume.
“Charvarius Ward’s contract with the San Francisco 49ers is set to expire at the end of the season. He will likely be an expensive free agent, and it only makes sense to sign him for one or two years, but he could be the kind of player that puts the Steelers defense over the top,” Ballentine said.
“Pittsburgh is a legitimate contender this season because of an elite defense and an offense that knows how to help that elite defense. Joey Porter Jr. continues to improve, but veteran corner Donte Jackson is a Ward wouldn’t come cheap and they might have to do some gymnastics to make it work, but the risk might be worth the reward.
Ward, 28, had a decorated seven-year career that culminated in 2023 with his first career Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He has played in seven games this season, but has been out since late October as he mourns the death of his 1-year-old daughter.
Losing Ward to Pittsburgh wouldn’t be ideal, but the 49ers may not have much say in the matter. Lenoir’s extension clarified San Francisco’s priorities, and Ward must now prioritize himself and find the best deal possible.
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