SF 49ers roster: 4 players who could be traded before 2022

No. 2: SF 49ers Safety Jimmie Ward

Both Dee Ford and Arik Armstead command significant enough money to suggest trading either would be a tough proposition. It worked with Kwon Alexander, but teams willing to absorb a deal of that nature don’t always come along regularly.

Fortunately, if one looks at it that way, safety Jimmie Ward‘s contract is a bit more workable from the perspective of a team looking to acquire him.

Remember, the SF 49ers inked Ward to a three-year, $28.5 million contract entering 2020 with a voidable 2023. His guaranteed money runs out after 2021, too, so that’s something to consider after he’s set to command $10.9 million this season.

Ward’s overall contract number jumps up to $11.5 million in 2022, but the fact he won’t have any guarantees makes him much easier to move by the way of a trade. Sure, he’ll be 31 years old at the time. But he’s fortunately enjoyed a relatively healthy two-year stretch after his first few seasons within the league were marred by plenty of injuries.

Much of this will be predicated on the situation the Niners have within their defensive backfield. Will depth safety Tarvarius Moore be ready to assume a full-time free safety role this season? Can John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan overcome their known adoration for Ward in an attempt to move Ward?

If so, there’s a good chance Ward could be on the move between now and 2022.