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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (R) talks to general manager John Lynch during practice.
There are so many moves an NFL team has to make in an offseason, and the San Francisco 49ers are going to have to make some tough decisions.
Most of the attention in San Francisco revolves around quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Aside from Lance’s potential being debated, the possibilities for Garoppolo’s trade destinations were also discussed.
However, several other decisions are looming. Star extensions like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive end Nick Bosa, resigning free agents like offensive guard Laken Tomlinson and, apparently, a possible extension for safety Jimmie Ward.
After an article by NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco was shared by 49er WorldWard took note and sent a message to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
“What’s good John & Kyle hit your line boi [laughing emojis],” Ward wrote on an Instagram Story, per 49er Global.
It is obviously with a cheerful nature and should not raise alarm bells. Nevertheless, it is a public statement of the soon to be 31-year-old security. Every player wants to be extended, but the details that prompted that interaction are well put together for both San Francisco and Ward.
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Service extension could free up money
So how does accepting an extended contract help the 49ers save money? The “magic” of empty years. Currently, Ward’s contract is expected to be $12.94 million over the cap. As Maiocco pointed out, Ward’s extension could carry over some of that money into future years so the team can add to their exploitable cap space, which is only $2.95 million. by Spotrac.
“Jimmie Ward, who kept it all together in high school with so many moving parts around him, will be back,” Maiocco wrote. “He is the most valuable member of the 49ers defensive backfield. Ward still has a year left on his contract, and the 49ers could look to free up a little wiggle room this year with a multi-year extension.
Maiocco also expects the 49ers to sign a free veteran safety to compete with Ward, which should be a cheap enough option for the 49ers to expand Ward if they choose.
49ers expected to take safety in round 2
While he’s not a perfect understudy for Ward, ESPN draft analyst Eric Reid predicts the Niners will take Baylor safety Jalen Pitre with their first pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, which comes in the second round. .
Pitre caught the eye with his hybrid play at Baylor, playing linebacker, corner and safety. Since moving to safety mostly the past two seasons, Pitre has had four interceptions.
“Pitre really impressed me in the Senior Bowl, and he was one of the biggest lifters in the event,” Reid wrote. “He mainly played the STAR position in the defense of Dave Aranda at Baylor, but he has a better skill set than just playing near the line of scrimmage. Pitre is a fluid operator in coverage with some range. With Jaquiski Tartt in free agency, the 49ers could try to get younger in their secondary.
Pitre wouldn’t be looking to be Ward’s successor, but he could definitely learn a thing or two about the 49ers star’s NFL coverage and play.
