The 49ers have been forced to reshape their defense, but they’re still looking to hold on to their own where ever possible. That’s what they did with safety Jimmie Ward, who has been re-upped on a new three-year deal worth $28.5MM, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). 
[RELATED: 49ers Trade Buckner To Colts]
Ward, 28, has been set back by injuries throughout his career, but he stayed healthy for the most part and shined in 2019. The veteran tallied a career-best 65 tackles in 13 starts, an indicator that even better things could be on the horizon.
Last year, the Niners kept Ward with a one-year prove-it deal. This time around, he has the security of a multi-year pact that will pay him $9.5MM per annum.
The Northern Illinois product was an integral part of SF’s secondary last year. On the whole, the unit graded out No. 2 in defensive DVOA. He also settled in at the free safety position – before last year, he saw time at multiple spots as coaches tried to figure out the best way to use him.
All along, Ward has said that he wanted to return to the NFC champs.
“This is where I would like to be,” Ward said in February (via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I like to continue playing for this great organization.”
Now, he’s under contract with the Niners through the 2022 season.
Without having to pay Buckner 20MM annually they have a lot more cap space to retain or sign several players . Sucks to lose a stud like Buckner but the dude deserves the money and the Colts are not as cap strapped as the niners.
Paying Dee Ford as much as they did was a bad idea.
The Niners extend a guy who shows up to play once every 5 years (Armstead) then trade their best defensive player (Buckner) so I guess they’re in a rush to revert to being a 4-12 team.
You don’t really understand salary caps do you?