Raise in play, then raise in pay
Armstead, Ward looking to build on their success on 49ers’ defense
The pickedon guys are now the old guys.
On Wednesday, 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead and free safety Jimmie Ward met with the local media for the first time since they signed lucrative contract extensions March 16.
It was fitting Armstead and Ward signed on the same day given their similar career arcs. They are previously disappointing firstround picks who didn’t fully meet expectations until last year, when they had careerbest seasons and played vital roles on the NFL’s secondranked defense.
Now, they both have bigger bank accounts — and more experience with the team — than nearly all their teammates. After Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley retired last month, Ward, heading into his seventh season, became the team’s longesttenured player.
Armstead, along with strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, a fellow 2015 draft pick, is the the team’s thirdmosttenured player. Long snapper Kyle Nelson, who signed with the team two months after Ward
inked his rookie deal, is second.
Ward, Armstead, Tartt, defensive end Ronald Blair and cornerback Dontae Johnson, who has had several stints with the 49ers, are the only players selected by former general manager Trent Baalke on the roster.
“It’s really surprising,” Ward said of his tenure. “I didn’t realize that until the media started blowing it up. I don’t feel any different. I still have (Richard Sherman, who is 32) in my DB room and he’s like the oldest guy in the league. … I feel like it’s a big deal saying I’m the longesttenured guy who plays on the 49ers. I think that’s awesome.”
The challenge for Armstead, who signed a fiveyear, $85 million extension and Ward (three years, $28.5 million) is clear: Can they do it again?
Armstead returns to a defensive line that’s without secondteam AllPro DeForest Buckner, who was traded to the Colts on the same day Armstead and Ward signed their extensions. The 49ers have said parting with Buckner, who signed a fouryear, $84 million deal with the Colts, allowed them to retain Armstead and Ward.
Armstead termed Buckner an “irreplaceable player.” And Armstead will need to help compensate for the loss by at least replicating 2019, when his careerhigh 10 sacks were one more than his combined total in his first four seasons.
“There’s definitely going to be a void there that not just one person is going to be able to fill,” Armstead said. “… We’re all going to have to pick it up to fill that void. I think we’re up for it.”
The 49ers selected South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw with the No. 14 pick last month to assume
“They came out with a decent amount of money that I feel comfortable with. So I just decided to stay.”
Jimmie Ward, 49ers safety, on his decision to resign with the team
Buckner’s starting spot. Armstead spoke of mentoring the rookie. Armstead, who’s usually softspoken, might be prepared to assume more of a leadership role. On Wednesday, he was notably more expansive with reporters during an 18minute interview.
“He’s extremely talented,” Armstead said of Kinlaw. “Athletic. Strong. I think he’s going to add a lot to our team and I’m excited when we all get back together starting that journey and helping to bring him along. Get him up to speed.
“Being a leader and guiding him throughout his career, especially the early stages. I’ll try to help him any way that I can.”
As for Ward, he reportedly turned down more money from another team to stay with the 49ers. Ward has played for four head coaches and four defensive coordinators during a career in which he has missed 32 games with injuries. He has ended four seasons on injured reserve with broken bones.
“It’s just a place that I’m comfortable with,” Ward said. “The place that drafted me and trusted me. I know the guys. I’ve built relationships. I thought of money. And the Niners — they came out with a decent amount of money that I feel comfortable with. So I just decided to stay.”
Last year, Ward was part of a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL since the 2009 Jets. This season, Ward, who has just two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 64 games, said he wants to create more takeaways.
He mentioned new defensive backs coach Tony Oden when discussing how his role could be tweaked this season.
“I like some of his techniques and just some of the stuff that we’ve been talking about — how I can get more involved,” Ward said. “Instead of just sitting back there in the post or just covering a guy mantoman. They’re actually going to get me more involved in the defense.”