Predicting the 49ers’ 2018 starting lineup after opening wave of NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
![LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/445c830b75fc53d5f674f2c1bb5839fd0cbd24e9c2bf350a80939b89785ba9e3.jpg)
Safety
Free Safety: Adrian Colbert, Jimmie Ward
Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt
The 49ers picked up the fifth-year option on defensive back Jimmie Ward, whose $8.5 million became fully guaranteed at the start of the league’s new year on Mar. 14.
As expected, the 49ers kept Jimmie Ward around for his 5th-year option — that’s $8.5 million guaranteed. They have the cap space to afford a year of Ward, and thus more flexibility in the secondary since he can play all positions there.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 14, 2018
Ward spent three of his first four years at the pro level landing on injured reserve, including a season-ending arm injury in 2017. A hunch states he ends up earning the starting free safety job over 2017 rookie, Adrian Colbert, but that’s a status one shouldn’t bank on for long.
Especially if Colbert continues his upward ascent.
It doesn’t appear as if the Niners are interested in bringing back strong safety Eric Reid, and he probably wouldn’t have pushed fellow safety Jaquiski Tartt out of a starting job during training camp either.