The 49ers could potentially move on from one of their top defenses before the November 5 NFL trade deadline.
San Francisco star cornerback Charvarius Ward, a second-team All-Pro selection last campaign, is a player to keep an eye on due to his expiring contract and rocky play, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported.
“In the wake of Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending knee injury, fellow receiver Deebo Samuel is likely off the table,” Russini wrote in an article published Saturday. “She had a difficult start to the season, her contract is expiring and it could be of interest.”
Ward is in the final season of his three-year, $40.5 million contract. Whoever trades the 28-year-old will get rent.
Through six games, Ward has no interceptions and five pass breakups; He had five and 23, respectively, during the 2023 campaign. Fellow cornerbacks Diomodore Lenoir and Isaac Yiadom and rookie Renardo Green have been more than serviceable as well, making Ward somewhat expendable.
Money, of course, may be the biggest factor surrounding Ward’s future with San Francisco.
“With Javon Hargrave out for the season, the Niners need help in the trenches, ideally in the form of a defensive tackle who can also provide a pass-rushing boost,” Russini wrote. “At the same time, given the post-season salary cap calculation — Brock Purdy is eligible for a big contract extension — they may be inclined to listen if other teams inquire about some highly paid veterans.”
The 49ers don’t have to trade anyone.
Running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, among San Francisco’s other key players, still have to return during the 2024 NFL season; President of football operations John Lynch believes, at the very least, that being naturally healthy will give the 49ers a boost.
But the 49ers are 3-4 and haven’t looked like last season’s 12-5 team.
Trading Ward — or another star — should be considered at the deadline. The seven-year veteran simply hasn’t met the criteria for his valuable contract and could walk out next season.
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