49ers roster: 4 players who make next superstar leap in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers potential superstar No. 3: Cornerback Charvarius Ward
Veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward already has the reputation of being a good defensive back, this stemming from his four previous years with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2021 and over 12 starts, he managed 67 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes broken up, all the while forcing opposing quarterbacks to post a 79.4 passer rating when targeting him.
Good, not necessarily elite.
San Francisco is paying Ward to be a No. 1 cornerback, though, dishing out a lucrative three-year, $40.5 million deal in free agency this offseason. And while the 49ers have mostly focused on their defensive line being the cornerstone group on this side of the ball, Ward is a player who stands to benefit a lot.
One of the things that helps solidify a superstar defensive back is interceptions, of which Ward has had only four during his pro career. Yet a transition to coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ defense might mean more opportunities for Ward to impact the turnover department.
Combined with the pass-rush elements the Niners already have, it might not be shocking at all to see Ward fully justify what San Francisco is investing in him.