Report: 49ers re-sign Ward to 3-year, $28.5M contract

The San Francisco 49ers and safety Jimmie Ward have reached an agreement on a three-year, $28.5-million contract, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Ward, a first-round pick in the 2014 draft, has spent his entire pro career with the 49ers. Injuries impacted his availability over his first five seasons, but he managed to put together an impressive 2019 campaign, emerging as a key piece for San Francisco's dominant defense.

The 28-year-old started all 13 of his games and recorded a career-high 65 tackles, one sack, and eight passes defensed.

His big payday, which averages $9.5 million per season, suggests the 49ers expect more of the same going forward, and Ward should continue to have a significant role alongside Jaquiski Tartt in the talented defensive backfield.