San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward will be a free agent at the start of the new league year, and the seven-year veteran likely won’t return to the team. A former undrafted free agent, Ward overcame his nonexistent draft capital to establish himself as a starting cornerback with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the 49ers in 2022. Making a Pro Bowl and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors, Ward has been a crucial part of Kyle Shanahan’s defense over the past three seasons and probably won’t be back in 2025.
Ward’s reason for leaving has nothing to do with money or issues with the organization. The star cornerback tragically lost his one-year-old daughter to heart issues, and Ward says he cannot visit California without bringing back painful memories of his daughter’s passing.
#49ers CB and impending free agent Charvarius Ward said he might not return to San Francisco, not because of anything related to the team, but due to the personal trauma he experienced in California after the passing of his daughter this season. He shared that every time he flies… pic.twitter.com/km3HoNsu5c
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2025
It’s impossible to put the pain of losing a child into words. While Charvarius Ward didn’t rule out a return, voluntarily enduring that pain every time you go to work is a difficult sell. Ward had a rough 2024 season, but nobody should blame him for any on-field performance considering what he was dealing with off the field. If he can return to form, East Coast teams like the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs could be good homes for the veteran.
Charvarius Ward Unlikely To Re-Sign With 49ers Following Daughter’s Passing
After a disappointing start to his career, Bryce Young started playing like a first-overall pick in the back half of the 2024 season. Now locked in as the starting quarterback behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, head coach Dave Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan can enter the offseason feeling good about that side of the ball. The defense, on the other hand, is a different story.
Carolina had the league’s least-talented defense last year, which showed in every game. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will return for 2025, which shows Canales believes he is not the reason for the unit’s lackluster production. While Derrick Brown’s return from injury will help, this entire unit desperately needs an influx of talent. Jaycee Horn is a reliable starter and Mike Jackson had a surprisingly strong year, but this team needs a veteran like Ward to solidify the back end of the defense.
Reunion In Kansas City
Charvarius Ward entered the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, and the reigning Super Bowl champions could benefit from bringing him back in 2024. First-round pick Trent McDuffie is one of the game’s best cornerbacks, and former fourth-round pick Jaylen Warren played well before his injury. While these two will provide the Chiefs with a reliable duo in 2025, they could use a third option.
MuDuffie is at his best in the slot, and adding Charvarius Ward would allow the perennial Pro Bowl snub to move to his preferred position. With three cornerbacks capable of blanketing receivers, opposing offenses will struggle to throw on this unit. This is especially good for Kansas City, as opposing offenses tend to abandon the run while trying to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and their high-octane passing attack.
Main Photo: Mark Konezny – USA Today Sports
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