As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the San Francisco 49ers face a crucial offseason with several key players approaching free agency. Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga stand out as potential high-profile departures due to their significant contributions and market value. Here’s a closer look at each player’s situation and what could influence their future with the team.
Throughout the 2024 season, the 49ers have been a team rattled with injuries, including Hufanga and Greenlaw. In Super Bowl 58, Greenlaw was getting pumped up to run back onto the field for his team, but that would not be the case. He went down with a non-contact injury, and it was later revealed he had torn his Achilles. As for Hufanga, he tore his ACL early in their 2023 Super Bowl run season and returned to action in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams
However, his return would be short-lived. In Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Hufanga left the game early, and it was later revealed he had torn multiple ligaments in his wrist, landing him back on the IR. As the season progresses, only time will tell when the two defensive standouts will return to action, with their contracts expiring at the season's conclusion.
Charvarius Ward, Cornerback
At 29, Ward has demonstrated his prowess in man-coverage and ability to adapt seamlessly between pressing and playing off the ball. Despite a dip in his on-the-ball production this season, with no interceptions and just four pass breakups, his technical skills remain invaluable. Matt Bowen highlights, “Ward has the man-coverage ability to press or pedal off the ball, along with the backfield vision to make plays in zone coverage.”
However, financial constraints could play a crucial role in Ward’s future. According to Jeremy Fowler, “The 49ers would love to keep Ward, whom some league evaluators consider a top-10 corner in the NFL, but bloated salaries on their books could be a factor.” With several high-value contracts already straining the 49ers’ salary cap, retaining Ward could prove challenging.
Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker
Despite missing the start of the season due to an Achilles tear, Greenlaw's past performances speak volumes. His speed and coverage awareness have made him a standout linebacker, capable of shutting down opponents and changing the dynamic of the 49ers' defense. Bowen notes, “Greenlaw is a rangy linebacker with the pursuit speed to track ball carriers and the coverage awareness to close throwing windows.”
Greenlaw's return to the field late this season will be pivotal in determining his market value. As Fowler points out, “How Greenlaw performs late in the season after his return will help determine his free agency path… The 49ers have several big contract decisions looming and probably can't keep everyone.”
Talanoa Hufanga, Safety
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Hufanga’s tenure with the 49ers has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games over two seasons. Yet, his impact when healthy is undeniable. Bowen describes Hufanga as a “natural disruptor,” known for his aggressive play and knack for making game-changing plays. His stats include seven interceptions and two forced fumbles in his career.
The safety market could heavily influence Hufanga’s future. Fowler mentions, “Hufanga has ball production, which typically warrants big money. How the safety market shapes up could be a factor in whether he stays.”
As the 49ers approach a financially constrained offseason, the decisions made on these three players will significantly affect the team's strategy and roster composition for 2025. The potential departure of these key talents could prompt significant adjustments in both the defensive lineup and the team’s overall approach to player retention and recruitment.
