7 players who could be playing their final season with 49ers

LG Aaron Banks

After serving as a backup his rookie season in 2021, left guard Aaron Banks has been an absolute stalwart for the 49ers offensive line. While guards typically command far less money on the open market compared to tackles, Banks is due for a substantial pay increase once he hits free agency in 2025.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan prioritizes centers and tackles more than guards, and his Niners teams haven't exactly spent a lot of cash on guards over the years, meaning Banks is likely going to get that big contract elsewhere.

Plus, knowing that San Francisco often drafts for its needs a year in advance, the Round 3 draft pickup of offensive lineman Dominick Puni suggests Banks' eventual replacement is already going to be on the roster this year.

What probably happens is Puni steps in for Banks after the latter hits free agency after 2024.

CB Charvarius Ward

The 49ers used to not spend big money on cornerbacks, but that strategy bit them hard in 2021, prompting them to sign former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward to a substantial contract, one that expires in 2025.

Ward, who earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2023 after leading the NFL with 23 pass breakups, is going to earn a massive contract again next offseason, barring any unfortunate circumstances.

Going back to the Niners' salary cap concerns, it's almost impossible to envision Ward re-signing with San Francisco unless he accepts far less than his market value, which isn't likely.

The 49ers are probably going to decide between re-signing Ward or nickel cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and slot corners rarely make the kind of money boundary cornerbacks receive, so that's an easy decision.

Plus, by drafting Renardo Green in Round 2 last April, it seems clear the plan is for the rookie to replace Ward in a year's time.

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