49ers 2020 NFL free agency tracker: Latest moves, rumors and updates

49ers Re-Sign Jimmie Ward to a Three-Year Deal

After enjoying a career-best season in 2019, it seemed highly likely the Niners were going to be forced to let defensive back Jimmie Ward hit the free agency market.

Yet that was ultimately avoided, as Ward inked a three-year deal with San Francisco as reported by Matt Maiocco Monday night.

49ers brass has taken a liking to Ward, who proved himself vital on the one-year prove-it deal he received last season. At the year’s conclusion, Pro Football Focus named Ward the No. 6 overall safety in the league. And considering San Francisco’s pass defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL last season, one can see why retaining Ward was going to be a notable priority for John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Re-signing Ward likely takes the need to draft a safety early off the boards for now. While there’s a possibility the Niners seek a younger, cheaper option relatively early, at least the team doesn’t have to worry about pressing that particular issue.

Ward, after all, was more than serviceable in his role at free safety last season. And while there’s a bit of an injury history, San Francisco can cross off one of its pending needs heading towards the draft after executing this particular transaction.