Another San Francisco 49ers All-Pro makes his desire to secure a significant payday very clear

The San Francisco 49ers' focus in terms of keeping their own stars is, for this offseason, fixed firmly on All Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

But they have several other players who, like Aiyuk, are poised for free agency next offseason, including another second-team All-Pro in cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Ward enjoyed a stunning 2023 campaign, which saw him lead the NFL with 23 pass breakups while recording a career-high five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

With Ward and fellow starting corner Deommodore Lenoir both bound for unrestricted free agency, it figures to be difficult for the 49ers to keep both next offseason, when quarterback Brock Purdy becomes eligible for an extension likely to make him one of the highest-paid players in football.

The 49ers, as I recently outlined, would be wise to try to extend Ward this offseason and avoid the possibility of losing him to another team, given he will carry a dead cap charge of over $12 million in 2025 if they do not manage to retain him. That charge stems from the Niners pushing part of his prorated signing bonus into three additional void years.

But Ward, appearing on Up and Adams on Monday, didn't exactly fuel optimism of the Niners being able to achieve that feat, indicating he will be looking for a very lucrative payday next offseason.

"The [contract] I'm currently on right now, that's been my biggest deal so far—three-year, 40-something million," Ward said. 

"But I just got to go out there, have my best year, be better than last year. I'll let that go take care of itself. Yeah, hopefully, I get that bag next year. We'll see."