Re-sign FS Jimmie Ward
Trading Buckner and limiting Armstead’s 2020 cap hit allowed the 49ers to retain another key piece of their defense. Ward was terrific in 13 games as the free safety last year. He can play up high, creep down into the box to defend the run, and cover any position. Ward’s versatility makes him a key chess piece for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and his skill set isn’t easy to replicate. San Francisco also got him at a good price of $28.5 million across three years with $17 million guaranteed. There’s also a small cap hit in the first year. That’s a good price for a Pro Bowl caliber safety in the back end of the secondary.
Grade: A