The 49ers reportedly have filled one of their biggest offseason needs, but also have suffered a big loss in free agency.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night that the 49ers are in agreement with free-agent cornerback Charvarius Ward on a three-year, $42 million deal with $26.7 million guaranteed. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport also reported Monday night that defensive tackle D.J. Jones has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Signings and trades won’t become official until the 2022 NFL league year starts at 1 p.m. PT Wednesday.
Ward turns 26 in May and figures to take over as a starting cornerback alongside Emmanuel Moseley, while rising second-year corner Ambry Thomas will remain an oft-used reserve. The team still needs to find a slot cornerback to fill the important role that K’Waun Williams has carved out for himself over the past few seasons.
Ward played in 13 games with 12 starts last season, making two interceptions with 10 pass deflections and 67 tackles. Ward is known for being a sure tackler and is listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds so you can feel comfortable putting him on an island against bigger receivers. The 49ers needed some help on the outside and Ward seems like he’s in his prime, though the price tag will surely raise some eyebrows.
Overshadowed by other players on the 49ers defensive line in recent years like Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, Jones has quietly been a key contributor to the unit for the past few seasons. The 49ers drafted Jones in the sixth round of the 2017 Draft and he crept his way up the depth chart before making 32 starts over the past three seasons, including all 17 in 2022. A physical run-stuffer, Jones worked well in tandem with Armstead this season while anchoring the interior of the defensive line.
Now Jones joins a Broncos squad that is becoming a hot spot with the addition of former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. The Broncos look like a destination, as former Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Randy Gregory also signed with Denver and they are reportedly recruiting Wilson’s former teammate Bobby Wagner.
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An agreement could be reached by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, but it appears that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his $26.9 million salary will still be on the 49ers payroll when free agency opens. We’ll have to see if the team’s inability to trade Jimmy G could affect its ability to bring in players, as they could save $25.5 million by shipping him away.
Alas, last week’s shoulder surgery may be scaring off teams as his market shrinks. The 49ers can also save $25.5 million by releasing Garoppolo, but they’d surely like to get some draft capital or other assets in return. The 49ers were awarded with five compensatory picks Monday but still don’t have a first-rounder until 2024.
