The San Francisco 49ers are keeping Deommodore Lenoir on an extension which likely signals Charvarius Ward will join a new team this upcoming offseason. According to multiple reports, the former fifth-rounder will be staying with the 49ers for the next five years after proving to be the most consistent secondary weapon. Through nine contests, he tallied 53 tackles, one fumble and two interceptions only allowing a passer rating of 66.5. Lenoir is emerging as one of the most versatile young talents as the 49ers will continue to bring in new guys to establish a new regime behind Kyle Shanahan.
He is the latest talent to be a homegrown player on this roster, including Fred Warner, George Kittle and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. With Brock Purdy on pace to become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, Ward could be looking for a new contract elsewhere. Originally selected as an undrafted prospect in the 2018 draft, the Middle Tennessee product was finally establishing himself as a valuable defensive back after assuming the role from Richard Sherman. Ward made it clear he isn’t taking a hometown discount to stay.
The 28-year-old should have an active market when free agency comes around. San Francisco has plenty to worry about this offseason and probably won’t prioritize Ward.
Deommodore Lenoir Extension Could Spell End For Super Bowl Champion Charvarius Ward – Ravens, Chiefs Next Teams?
The Weak Links
The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best teams since the Joe Flacco Days in nearly a decade. With signing Derrick Henry, everything is going right for this offense and they could win the Super Bowl with this squad. However, they still have a lot of issues to address in their defensive unit since they lost a lot of key playmakers this past offseason. Baltimore needs more than the offense since winning in the trenches is what it could all come down to.
The talent is there on the defensive front despite losing Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen. Ravens’ secondary is having one of the biggest downfalls this season and Brandon Stephens is a prime example of that. He doesn’t plan to change positions so they’re hoping to depend on Tre’Davious White to add some extra veteran insurance. While White becomes crucial to this year’s postseason, they should add someone like Ward to fill the ranks and help Marlon Humphrey and rookie Nate Wiggins.
Next Chiefs Superstar?
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to address the secondary position despite having some interest in Marshon Lattimore. The trade deadline is over but they could bank on someone like Ward to be their long-term solution for their woes. Since trading L’Jarius Sneed, the team had to depend on guys like Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson. They haven’t been able to bring in numbers like Sneed so this unit may be part that may hold them back from repeating as Super Bowl champions again.
However, they have one of the best offenses since trading for DeAndre Hopkins to improve the passing attack. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been his best so they may have to rely on the defense to make up for it. Nothing will come easy this year but Ward would easily become the No. 1 cornerback for the team. He isn’t Sneed but it would be a significant long-term investment.
