The versatility of Jimmie Ward and the joy of his many defensive coaching staff with the 49ers – along with a string of injuries – never allowed him to get comfortable through his first five NFL seasons.
He somehow struggled through years of adversity to remain the team’s longest-serving player.
Ward’s position is no longer a question. He is delayed in free security. But Ward made a bit of a mystery when tackling the topic of where he could line up this season on a snap-to-snap basis. However, he is confident that his days at cornerback are over.
“The last time I checked, I signed a contract to play safety, but if anything happens, I have to be open and do everything that’s best for the team,” Ward said Tuesday in a video call with Bay reporters Area.
Ward was the 49ers starter at nickelback, cornerback and safety during his time with the 49ers. Last year, he proved one of the more effective free safeties in the league.
In the offseason, the 49ers signed Ward to a three-year, $ 28.5 million contract.
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Under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the 49ers played a cover-three defense in the first place. But the 49ers have the ability to be much less predictable this season, with all of their starters in the defensive backfield for the second year in a row.
“It helps a lot,” Ward said. ‘Since we got back, I’m just feeling like we’ve just been working on the chemistry and all of our defensive controls. I feel it will play a big role in this coming season. ”
Ward is able to play places all over the field. He suggested earlier this offseason that the 49ers could rely on him to become more of a game-changer.
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But what, exactly, does that mean?
He could be featured in coverage of man as zone. He could also be used on more flashes. Ward said everyone should wait to see the answers as the 49ers enter the regular season on Sept. 13. Open against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.
“I feel like I’ll tell you more details about how I’m going to remove the game of sorts,” he said. “I do not know other teams to hear how they will use me.
‘I do not know, but it will be interesting. Just make sure you watch that first game, because I could be anywhere. “
