49ers salary cap: 5 biggest contracts entering 2022

49ers salary cap player No. 5: S Jimmie Ward

2022 scheduled salary: $12.94 million

Technically speaking, veteran safety Jimmie Ward is entering a contract year, as he currently carries three voided years starting in 2023 and carrying $6.395 million in dead money spread out from 2023 through 2025.

That alone probably negates the idea Ward could be a candidate for a restructure, although a three-year extension to absorb those voided years might cost the 49ers only an additional $3 million more over that same span.

Considering Ward’s value to the secondary when healthy, it might be a route the Niners choose to pursue even if it doesn’t necessarily clear any additional cap space.

For now, though, Ward is scheduled to earn $12.94 million this season, $3.5 million of which will become fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster by April 1.

San Francisco is likely to extend other star players like EDGE Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, too, which means Ward’s spot at No. 5 won’t last long, especially beyond this upcoming season.