Former 49ers’ Players Sound Off on the Organization

We are only ten days away from the first 49ers preseason game and just over a month away from the opening day kickoff. There’s a lot to be excited about this Training Camp for the Niners, with so many young players competing for crucial roles. The biggest reason there’s more competition this year is due to the mass exodus of veterans this past offseason.

San Francisco’s youth movement is in full effect. While having a young roster is generally viewed as a positive thing, the franchise has received some heat from some of the players they chose to move on from.

Former Player’s Comments

The first player to comment on his treatment from the 49ers was Charvarius Ward in a recent interview with Mike Silver of The Athletic.

“I was hurt when I realized when I wasn’t getting a contract extension or an offer,” said Ward. “So I wasn’t motivated. I was kind of pissed off. I knew when the season started, it was a wrap for me in the Bay… They got DMO, they drafted him, and he’s younger than me. They probably like DMO a little bit better. He’s a little more physical and aggressive than me. I can lock anybody down. Kyle and John want head-busters. I’m not mad. He got what he deserved. All-Pros don’t grow on trees, though.”

The former Niner was commenting on not receiving an extension after the 2023 season, which was a bit before Deommodore Lenoir signed an extension. While Ward said he’s not mad, it certainly sounds like he feels he’s worth more than the 49ers front office felt.

Then, yesterday afternoon, former Niners linebacker Dre Greenlaw spoke in a post-practice interview on his decision to sign with the Broncos this offseason.

“They wanted me,” said Dre. “Throughout the whole time I was talking to Sean there was never no if, ands, buts, maybe this or that. It was like ‘we want you to be here.'”

Defending the 49ers’ Choice to Move On

While both Ward and Greenlaw were difference makers, it makes a lot of sense why they opted to move on from them. Both players dealt with multiple injuries this past season that caused them to suit up in only 14 combined games. As unfortunate as it is, it’s common knowledge that an athlete’s shelf life is short in the NFL. Greenlaw will be 28 and Ward will be 29 this upcoming season. The 49ers’ decision shows that they think the injuries and age will slow down both of their former star defenders.

The other contributing factor in letting them walk in free agency is because of the money. Ward ultimately signed a 3-year, $54 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, and Greenlaw signed a 3-year, $31.5 million deal with Denver. The 49ers were in a situation where it was time to pay Brock Purdy, and they gave him a massive $265 million contract. The reality is that there wasn’t enough money to bring back everyone.

Justifying Ward and Greenlaw’s Comments

At the end of the day, both these guys feel like they were cast aside by the Niners. And really, they aren’t wrong. The front office and coaching staff feel like their best days are behind them. 49ers fans have no reason to be upset with Ward and Greenlaw. They had awesome careers in the Bay, and there’s nothing wrong with a player feeling like he still has something left in the tank.