Golden Nuggets: Should the 49ers reunite with another defensive veteran?

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Fred Warner #54, Trent Williams #71, Arik Armstead #91 and Jimmie Ward #1 of the San Francisco 49ers head to midfield for the coin toss before the NFC Championship playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the 49ers 31-7. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) | Getty Images Why two former 49ers believe S Jimmie Ward would be a good pick-up for San Francisco “Jimmie Ward, one thing about him is that he was a corner before he was a safety,” Willis said.

“He has the ability to cover. With his veteran leadership, I think that would be big with the guys that they still have on the team. ” Whitner doesn’t appear to think Ward can bring as much to the field at this point in his career.

But he does believe Ward could be valuable, as a mentor to some of the young 49ers defensive backs. “Well, the only thing I see wrong with it, he’s 34 years old,” Whitner said. “Always been like that coach on the field.

He understands the game of football. He can be a great mentor to Upton Stout, who plays the nickel position, who’s about his size, to Malik Mustapha, to Ji’Ayir Brown. So if you’re going to have Jimmie Ward around, I say you keep him on practice squad.