The San Francisco 49ers defense could look a little different in 2025. With the 49ers’ season gone, the front office must make some painful decisions. San Francisco contended with a variety of injuries throughout the year, and things did not go as expected. The 49ers have done a terrific job managing the cap, but the roster is set to get more pricey.
One player who is going to be worth watching is star cornerback Charvarius Ward. He will be one of the better free agents available and was floated as a fit for the Cincinnati Bengals by Newsweek’s James Brizuela.
“Cinncinati was in the top half of teams in terms of passing yards allowed with an average of 223.5 yards per game,” Brizuela said. “The Bengals need a boost at the position and could look to the San Francisco 49ers to secure a pending free agent. 49ers star corner Charvarius Ward has expressed interest in leaving the Bay Area and could be a prime target for the Bengals.
“Ward is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and will likely fetch a new contract that would place him near the top 10 at the position. After a previous annual salary of $13.5 million, the 49ers corner could be looking at a pay raise. Ward secured 72 total tackles, a league-leading 23 pass deflections, five interceptions, and one pick-six in 2023. This led to a Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro nod.”
The Bengals are another team that didn’t have the season they hoped to have. This does seem like a pretty logical landing spot for him if he were to decide to leave.
“Ward is due to become an unrestricted free agent and will most likely get a new contract that would place him in the top ten at the position. The 49ers cornerback, who previously earned $13.5 million per year, could be in line for a rise. Ward recorded 72 total tackles, a league-high 23 pass deflections, five interceptions, and one pick-six in 2023. This resulted in a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection.” The Bengals, too, had a disappointing season. This appears to be a reasonable landing spot for him if he decides to depart.
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