The fifth-year option decisions are coming in fast and furious. The 49ers have decided to pick up defensive back Jimmie Ward‘s option for the 2018 season, GM John Lynch told reporters. 
“Yeah, it’s looking like that,” Lynch said when asked if the 49ers would pick up Ward’s fifth-year option (via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com). “(I) had no clue when you guys asked me that the other day. I had no idea. I had been focused on the draft. But, (the question) made me go check.”
This was the expected outcome in San Francisco. Ward is now slated to make $8.526MM in 2018, a figure that is guaranteed for injury.
In 2016, Ward moved to cornerback and made eleven starts before being shut down for the year with a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old (26 in July) had two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery while grading out as the league’s No. 45 cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF gave him roughly even marks in coverage and run defense.
Really like this guy. I think the 49ers are doing the right things this off-season. If I were a fan, I would be very happy with Lynch right now.