Golden Nuggets: Jimmie Ward back to corner

Jimmie Ward has not had the start he would have hoped for when he joined the NFL. He’s played a full season only once in 4 seasons. He has not found his permanent position and this offseason will be another go-around for him at corner. He has a fully guaranteed $8.5 million salary for this season, which means the 49ers will likely not cut him. He could be involved in a trade, but with the lack of depth at corner and the health issues the team suffered at safety last season, Ward likely stays.

As the highest paid defensive player on the team, Jimmie Ward will be given every opportunity to win a job on the field. He is one of the best 11 players on the defense and the coaching staff has made it clear that they want the 11 best on the field. Hopefully the move to corner will keep Ward away from the big collisions that safeties have and he can stay on the field for a whole season.

This offseason, the 49ers decided to stay away from the top receiver free agents. Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins, Michael Crabtree, and others were available and the 49ers had the cap space to pay top dollar for them. The 49ers decided to stay with their current receivers. One of the reasons could be how the passing offense looked much better just by adding Jimmy Garoppolo. He elevated the play of all the receivers and he didn’t even get a chance to play with Pierre Garcon. Having Jimmy for a full training camp with his receivers could drastically improve the offense. The 49ers will likely draft a receiver, but it doesn’t seem to be a top priority for Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. They could change their mind and make an offer to the Giants for Odell Beckham Jr. if reports are true that he is available through trade.

49ers links

Cooper’s contract (Wagoner)

What could’ve been? (Barrows)

Updates from Kyle (Fann)

The moves back to the top | Free agency and draft plans (Barrows)

John Lynch and the catch rule (Fann)

Have to find him a position | Using Ward’s versatility (Maiocco)

Transparency (Biderman)

On the way up (Wiedey)

Mock (Iyer)

The team is satisfied with their current WRs | FA receivers (Maiocco)

Kyle Shanahan (Inman)

Big test this season | Guards vs. the Rams (Williams)

He will be on the field | The Jimmie Dilemma (Biderman)

Working with Navy Seals (Branch)

No love for the West Coast at owners’ meeting (Smith)

Pete Carroll on his former CB (Fann)

Did not want to pay huge deals | 49ers and top free agent receivers (Biderman)

49ers audio

Insider podcast (Maiocco)