Jeremy Fowler surveyed nearly 80 league executives, coaches, and scouts to create his position-by-position rankings, with the cornerback spot being the final installment this year. While Ward was not among the top 10 names on the list, he did receive an honorable mention.
"Ward had a big role in the 49ers' defensive success in 2023; he played 878 snaps and collected five interceptions," Fowler shared.
Ward is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed with San Francisco in 2022. Last season was an impressive campaign for the veteran cornerback, who earned a career-high 84.7 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, including the postseason. NFL quarterbacks posted a 63.7 passer rating when targeting Ward, whose 86.5 coverage grade ranked fourth among all cornerbacks.
"Probably the most underrated corner in the league," an NFC coordinator told Fowler. "Doesn't get a lot of credit, but he's a problem for the top receivers."
Ward expects to receive a large payday when he becomes a free agent next year. While he'd love to remain in red and gold, he understands that the business side of football is often unpredictable.
"Yeah, I'd like to stick around," Ward said in June. "I feel like it's a good team. They love me here. I love it here. I love all the coaches, love my teammates, but I just let my agent handle it. That's the business side of things. I'll just do my job, go out there and ball, put the pressure on them. Hopefully, they give me a bag.
"If they don't, I know it won't be like any bad blood between me and them. It's just like it'll be a business decision, but I'm pretty sure they'd like to have me, and I'd like to stay here, for sure."
Ward underwent core muscle surgery this offseason but expects to be ready for the start of training camp, which kicks off next week for 49ers veterans.