The 49ers will be hard-pressed to find a quality cornerback this offseason after Charvarius Ward's expected free-agent departure.
The San Francisco 49ers are experiencing a large-scale exodus of starting-caliber players over the first few hours of free agency, and it's taking place on both sides of the ball.
Granted, the Niners weren't anticipated to re-sign veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward, who made overtures about not remaining in the Bay Area, especially after the tragic loss of his one-year-old daughter to medical complications last year.
That said, once San Francisco extended fellow corner Deommodore Lenoir late in the season, the proverbial writing was on the wall regarding Ward's future.
The 28-year-old veteran was going to be a sought-after commodity, especially in the wake of three successful seasons with the 49ers that included a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro accolades.
It didn't take too long for Ward to find a new home either.
Charvarius Ward is off to the Colts in free agency
According to a breaking report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ward is inking a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, one that's three years and worth up to $60 million, $35 million of which is guaranteed:
Former 49ers CB Charvarius Ward reached agreement on a three-year deal worth up to $60 million including $35 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus with the Indianapolis Colts.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Deal negotiationed by Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @UniSportsMgmt.
It's a quality deal for Ward, who despite something of a down year in 2024, remains one of the NFL's top cornerbacks and still has plenty of playmaking abilities left to offer.
For the Niners, his departure compounds what'll be a challenging offseason.
How do 49ers go about replacing Charvarius Ward?
San Francisco already lost another defensive back to free agency, safety Talanoa Hufanga, who signed a lucrative deal with the Denver Broncos. With Ward now gone, the 49ers have two starters from the last three seasons who'll no longer be in town.
The Niners have a duo of starting-caliber corners, including Lenoir and 2024 rookie Renardo Green, who impressed in year one.
Related story: 49ers free agency tracker 2025: Latest signings, departures and updates
But, with depth corners like Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin on the open market, San Francisco will have to do some digging to find Ward's replacement, either on a depleting free-agent market or via April's NFL Draft.
Perhaps that explains why some feel a corner could be the 49ers' top priority when their number is called in Round 1.
As for Ward, one can certainly thank him for his contributions in the red and gold while wishing him the best of luck in Indy.