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The San Francisco 49ers want to return to the Super Bowl as soon as possible, so it's in their best interests to keep as many of their key players as possible. One of their key signings is Jimmie Ward as he commits to another stint with the team that drafted him in 2014.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Ward's re-signing with the Niners. The strong safety is reportedly committed to the Niners for three years, and the team's wage bill will take a considerable $28.5 million hit.
The #49ers are giving safety Jimmie Ward a 3-year deal worth $28.5M, source said. He was a priority for that defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
The move was a no-brainer for the Niners defense as he's considered an important component of the defense. His performances have been up-and-down over the years, but he definitely stepped up his performance this year. His strong showing for the Niners defense in integral for the team's impressive run to the Super Bowl.
He finished the season with 65 tackles — a career best for him — to go with one sack and eight pass deflections. His presence in the defense is irreplaceable for the 49ers, and his voice in the locker makes the retention of the 28-year-old a necessity.
Ward's loyalty to the team is a part of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's master plan of keeping the same core of players. He said, via ESPN's Nick Wagoner, that this team can definitely win the Super Bowl.
“This is the first time that I want every single person on our team back because I think we have a team that can win a Super Bowl,” Shanahan said. “I think we showed that last year.”
Whether this turns out to be a masterstroke or a foolish decision, fans will know by February. However, the San Francisco locker room should be more than happy that they managed to keep one of their most important defenders in the team. Jimmie Ward helped the 49ers make the Super Bowl, and he can help them get back.
