Although the San Francisco 49ers didn’t have the season they were expecting, the team is still looking to regroup and bring back some of their key players. One of those players, Jimmie Ward, may be back, but on a much shorter deal.

According to a report from NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, the 49ers would like to re-sign defensive back Jimmie Ward, but aren’t necessarily looking to give him a long-term deal. Citing a league source in the report, Maiocco reported that the team would rather give Ward a one-year deal, partly due to the injury history that has plagued the talented players' career.

The problem there, however, is that Ward is a free agent, which means there is a good chance some team will offer him more than just a one-year deal. According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, that’s something the team will have to deal with as it happens.

“We’re going to have to let that play out,” Lynch said (via 247 Sports). “I can tell you, we are very fond of him and we’ve got a big decision to make on, is he going to be a part of us or not? We’re hopeful.”

Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Ward has spent five seasons with the 49ers, and has played both cornerback and free safety during his time there. While he has been a capable and talented player when healthy, injuries have plagued Ward since his rookie year, with his last two seasons ending with an unfortunate broken forearm.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
GM John Lynch in the middle, Jordan Morgan, TJ Tampa, Jalyx Hunt around him, and San Francisco 49ers wallpaper in the background

Enzo Flojo ·

cG9zdDoyODEwOTM2-thumbnail

Dan Fappiano ·

UConn basketball, Huskies, Dan Hurley, 49ers, Kyle Shanahan, Dan Hurley with UConn basketball arena in the background

Scotty White ·

“I love Jimmie Ward,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said, when asked about the upcoming free agent. “I really hope to have him back. We all know he’s struggled a little bit to stay healthy. But he’s a guy, as a person, I’ll go to war with every day. I really trust and believe in, and I love him as a player, too.”

Ward has put up some respectable numbers, totaling 186 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 21 passes defended in just 51 games with the team. Still, having only played 51 games throughout five seasons is a huge concern, and will likely be what keeps the 49ers from wanting to commit to the player for more than a year.