Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 players who have a lot to prove in 2019

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an incomplete pass intended for Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an incomplete pass intended for Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

No. 9: Safety Jimmie Ward

Future contracts also come into play for the next player on this list, defensive back Jimmie Ward, who has an inside track to land the starting free safety job over third-year pro Adrian Colbert.

A key difference, however, is Ward is poised to hit free agency again in 2020 after re-signing with the 49ers on a one-year, $4.5 million contract during the offseason.

Ward’s versatility to play either safety spot, nickel or boundary cornerbacks does make him a useful commodity. And despite some frustrating years in San Francisco, the current Niners regime has continually voiced praise for the 2014 first-round NFL Draft pick.

Yet Ward also comes with a serious injury history, which includes landing on season-ending injured reserve in four of his first five seasons at the pro level. It’s something the 49ers have to guard against, while also looking to the future.

In this year’s draft, the Niners largely avoided upgrading their secondary and didn’t spend one of their eventual eight selections on a safety. Perhaps John Lynch is essentially “punting” on this need until next year, or he has more faith in Ward’s abilities than many might think.

Ward will be under pressure to live up to the praise lauded his direction, and he’ll also be trying to justify a new contract in 2020.

Even if it’s not with San Francisco.