© Kirby Lee | 2018 Sep 30
Though wide receiver Pierre Garcon is grabbing most of the headlines, the 49ers have also placed defensive back Jimmie Ward on the trading block, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
Via Breer:
“Safety Jimmie Ward (playing on an $8.5 million fifth-year option) is another one who’s been involved in trade discussion, but my sense is the Niners would need to get something significant to deal him.”
Ward, 27, has been largely a bust since being drafted in the first round in 2014. Thought of as a cornerback/safety hybrid when he was selected out of Northern Illinois, Ward has started just 25 games in his career. Based on his play this season, Ward is currently ranked 99th out of 110 qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. Ward has 14 tackles this season.
Ward is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this year. The NFL trade deadline is 1 p.m. on Tuesday.