Key re-signings
FS Jimmie Ward
San Francisco gambled last year by bringing Ward back on a one-year deal to be their starting safety. He missed the first three games with an injury, but was stellar in the 13 games after that. Ward re-signed on a three-year deal worth up to $28.5 million.
DL Arik Armstead
Year 5 was a breakout season for Armstead who led the 49ers in 2019 with 10 sacks. Pairing strong production as a pass rusher with his already stout run defense earned him a hefty five-year, $85 million contract. Armstead is a versatile piece who can play on the end and slide down to play defensive tackle. The 49ers are hoping he bounces back with another great year in 2020.
DE Ronald Blair III
Blair has been a quietly strong contributor for the 49ers since joining the club in 2016 as a fifth-round pick. He was on his way to a career year last season before tearing his ACL in Week 10 while sacking Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Going into the offseason with an injury may have tempered the market some for Blair, but he’s back in the Bay Area and should contribute again once he’s healthy.
OL Ben Garland
A quality backup center is vital to the 49ers given Weston Richburg’s injury history in two years with the club. He went down with a knee injury in Week 14 last season and Garland filled in nicely in his stead. Garland will hold down the center job until Richburg returns, and he could also put himself in the running for the starting right guard job.