Life rarely unfolds in straight lines—a truth running back Christian McCaffrey knows all too well. At 28, the San Francisco 49ers star stands at a career crossroads, his path clouded by injuries, trade rumors, and the swirling winds of fatherhood. Like a late-November storm over Lake Michigan, uncertainty hangs thick. Yet McCaffrey, ever the tactician, seems poised to rewrite his story.

NFL history whispers lessons for those who listen. Think of Barry Sanders’ abrupt retirement at 30 or Emmitt Smith grinding through pain to break records. McCaffrey’s own 2023 season—2,023 scrimmage yards, 21 touchdowns—echoed Smith’s relentless drive. But 2024 brought a cruel twist: Achilles strains, a battered knee, and a 6-11 team collapse. For a man who once seemed invincible, the career crossroads feels more like a reckoning.

The Weight of a Legacy on McCaffrey 

Football is a game of inches, and McCaffrey’s 2024 season slipped away in fragments. A calf strain cost him eight games. A posterior cruciate ligament tear in Week 12 ended it. His stat line—202 rushing yards, zero touchdowns—felt like a faded Polaroid of his former self. “This wasn’t my year,” he admitted in December. “Sometimes when it rains, it pours.”

The 49ers’ front office, meanwhile, made moves that spoke louder than press conferences. Trading backup Jordan Mason to the Vikings signaled faith in McCaffrey’s health—or desperation. Mason’s 789 rushing yards had been a lifeline. Now, with only Isaac Guerendo as insurance, San Francisco bets big on McCaffrey’s durability. Team doctor Jeff Mueller insists he’s healthy, but NFL fans know the grind: Achilles tendons don’t heal like broken bones. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Ryan Clark sharpened the debate.

“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey, and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him. When you look at what Kyle Shanahan has been able to do, it’s run the football,” he argued, citing the 49ers’ need to “get younger” (suggested by GM John Lynch). Clark’s take split fans like a Tom Brady playoff dagger. Yet the numbers sting.

Ryan Clark on GET UP said that San Francisco 49ers should consider trading 2023 Offensive Player of the Year RB Christian McCaffrey

“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey. … If you’re going to rebuild, rebuild completely.” pic.twitter.com/8paFmn5rt8

— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) March 12, 2025

San Francisco is 23-8 with McCaffrey, 7-8 without him. Trading him might save cap space, but can you put a price on hope?

Christian McCaffrey’s career crossroads isn’t just about health—it’s about legacy. Does McCaffrey chase rings like a Montana or prioritize longevity like Frank Gore? The answer may hinge on a phone call. Rumors swirl: Las Vegas wants a veteran RB. While Denver craves a hometown hero. But for now (at least), McCaffrey remains a 49er, his cleats dug into Bay Area soil. Meanwhile, if football is McCaffrey’s first language, fatherhood is becoming his dialect.

A New Playbook: Fatherhood Calls

On March 10, wife Olivia Culpo posted a black-and-white photo cradling her bump: “Next chapter, motherhood.” The announcement, sweet as a Wrigley Field seventh-inning stretch, shifted the narrative. For McCaffrey, life’s playbook just added pages. However, Culpo’s journey hasn’t been simple.

Diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019, she once feared pregnancy might elude her. “I want to have kids, but I want to make sure that I can,” she confessed in 2022 on TLC’s The Culpo Sisters. Now, due dates and baby names replace playbooks and drills. McCaffrey, ever the competitor, seems ready. “Soaking up his last trip as an only child,” Culpo joked on Instagram, alongside a video of their dog Oliver sprinting through Tennessee woods.

Fatherhood changes athletes—sometimes subtly, often profoundly. Think Derek Jeter’s post-retirement calm or Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s shifted priorities. For McCaffrey, balance becomes key. Late-night film sessions now compete with nursery planning. Yet teammates sense a renewed focus.

“I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this,” McCaffrey noted in his December Instagram post. Besides, Christian McCaffrey’s career crossroads isn’t a stop sign—it’s a yield.

The Road Ahead

Ahead lie contract talks, diaper changes, and the ghost of what-ifs. But if history teaches anything, it’s that crossroads forge legends. Emmitt Smith played through separated shoulders. McCaffrey? He’ll run through walls, too.

As autumn looms, two journeys unfold: a father-to-be pacing hospital halls, and a tailback eyeing redemption. The 49ers’ faith in him is a gamble, but since when has football been safe? For McCaffrey, the career crossroads merges into a single path—one lined with tiny cleats and the roar of Levi’s Stadium. Some storms, after all, birth rainbows.

Main Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

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The NFL Free Agency is already underway and there’s one free agent, Diontae Johnson that is struggling to attract suitors. One report believes the wide receiver is due for a disappointing free agency to no surprise after having a strange 2024 campaign. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Toledo product had a struggling year last season after joining three different teams; Panthers, Ravens and Texans. The Pro Bowler came on the wrong foot since stepping onto the field with the Panthers struggling to get any production going out of quarterback Bryce Young.

Johnson had a chance of a revival under back-to-back MVP Lamar Jackson but locker room antics got the best of him. There were reports he was a problem on the sidelines and for the team overall while he sat himself out during a regular season matchup against the Eagles. The Ravens let him go and surprisingly, the Texans gave him another opportunity but that didn’t pan out very well even though they were in dire need of a wideout. Johnson came back to Baltimore after claiming him off waivers and didn’t play at all so that was a bit of a head-scratcher.

Any team that will likely sign him will come near the beginning of the regular season and these five teams could present him a new opportunity.

Will Anyone Take Third Round Bust Free Agent Diontae Johnson? – 5 Potential Suitors

Next Possible Teams

New Orleans Saints

Many fans were disappointed to hear Derek Carr is returning but if the Saints want to maximize his potential, they need another wideout other than Chris Olave. Rashid Shaheed is a solid option that’s on the roster but he’s nothing explosive. Diontae Johnson might not produce much in the first few games but it could create some deep attack separation for Carr to take shots down the field.

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is capable of bringing out the best in any wide receiver. He did that after the Chiefs brought in DeAndre Hopkins in a trade but now that he’s joining the Ravens, they need another weapon. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are two solid wideouts barring any circumstance of legal trouble. Luckily, they have Marquise Brown returning but they need more depth in case anything happens.

Johnson isn’t going to outplay the three-front receivers but it gives Mahomes a new weapon to throw the ball to.

Dallas Cowboys

There’s no word yet on what the Dallas Cowboys are going to do at the wide receiver position as they haven’t found a new one for CeeDee Lamb. Cooper Kupp is out of the mix so they will probably sign an older veteran. Unless they give Johnson a chance since Jerry Jones loves to give athletes a second of those.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers were close to acquiring DK Metcalf but were outbid by the Steelers. However, they did well bringing back Mike Williams, a familiar face but if the Chargers want to go to the Super Bowl, they need more than that. The team hit a home run on Ladd McConkey but quarterback Justin Herbert could use another weapon in Diontae Johnson. It’s a risky investment but they could bring out something in him to be a viable replacement if they decide to cut Quentin Johnston.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of trading Brandon Aiyuk as the team is probably going to rebuild this offseason. After trading Deebo Samuel, Kyle Shanahan could be building a new regime around quarterback Brock Purdy. Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are the future of this roster but they could use another veteran to jumpstart their careers. Johnson might not produce much but it gives Purdy a solid weapon who already knows the game.

The post Will Anyone Take This Third Round Bust Free Agent? – 5 Potential Suitors appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering a Brandon Aiyuk trade, and the signing of wide receiver Demarcus Robinson could speed that process along. After going all-in during Trey Lance and Brock Purdy’s rookie window, the former seventh-round pick is now due for a massive extension. With limited cap space, San Francisco already traded Deebo Samuel and cut several veterans, but Aiyuk could be the next one out the door.

Even with Samuel in Washington, the 49ers still have a strong wide receiver depth chart. While Aiyuk is the biggest name of the bunch, Jauan Jennings is a reliable receiver and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall showed promise while adjusting to the NFL and recovering from gunshot wounds. These three, along with tight end Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle, mean that there aren’t many extra targets for the taking.

Demarcus Robinson is no superstar, but he’s an NFL-caliber player who could be a solid third receiver in a deep passing attack. With this in mind, why would he sign with a team where he could not realistically be anything more than the fourth receiver and seventh overall target? This signing only makes sense if the 49ers are still trying to trade Brandon Aiyuk, and several teams should be interested in a potential deal.

49ers Latest Signing Suggests A Brandon Aiyuk Trade Is Coming

Potential Next Teams

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers will continue to be on lists like this until they finally acquire another wide receiver. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like the real deal, but he cannot carry the entire passing attack by himself. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers reportedly attempted to trade for D.K. Metcalf and Diontae Johnson over the last calendar year, but perhaps they can finally close the deal and trade with the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk.

New England Patriots

The Patriots entered the offseason with needs at almost every position, and while they addressed the defense and offensive line, they still need a game-changing wide receiver. Drake Maye showed plenty of promise as a rookie, but nobody can survive in the current environment. Brandon Aiyuk would easily be the best receiver on this roster and his skillset should fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have a high-risk, high-reward group of wide receivers headlined by the promising but relatively untested duo of Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Adam Thielen provides some veteran security, but the former Viking is well past his prime and shouldn’t be anything more than a depth option in the passing attack. Brandon Aiyuk will give Bryce Young a much-needed proven target with some upside, and the Panthers should be able to work out a trade with the 49ers.

New York Giants

Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or a rookie, the Giants next quarterback will need more help to succeed in Brian Daboll’s offense. First-round pick Malik Nabers is a legitimate star, but you could do a lot better than Wan’Dale Robinson and the recently re-signed Darius Slayton. Daboll will lose his job if this team doesn’t turn it around, so he should have no issue with sending a future pick to the 49ers in a Brandon Aiyuk trade.

Kansas City Chiefs

Nobody knows exactly what will happen with the Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers over the next few months. Marquise Brown may be back, but DeAndre Hopkins is a Raven and Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are both facing potential suspensions. If Rice and Worthy return without incident, the Chiefs will have no reason to trade for Brandon Aiyuk. However, if one or both players miss an extended amount of time, the team could pursue Aiyuk.

Main Photo: Cary Edmonson – Imagn Images

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The NFL offseason is like Survivor: Gridiron Edition—one day you’re building alliances, the next you’re voting off a legend. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan just flashed his immunity idol, pulling a divisional rival into camp. Meanwhile, a fan-favorite veteran packed his torch. Let’s just say the 49ers’ tribe has spoken.

Picture this: Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, clipboard in hand, smirking like he just cracked the Da Vinci Code. The NFC West rivalry just got spicier than a Brooklyn 99 stakeout. If NFL free agency were a chess match, Shanahan just slid a pawn into queen’s territory. The 49ers’ front office is mixing bold moves with tough goodbyes, leaving fans buzzing like a Ted Lasso halftime speech. What’s brewing in Santa Clara? Let’s break it down.

Shanahan’s chess move: stealing Tre Brown from Seattle

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t just building a defense—he’s assembling a Star Wars rebel alliance. Tre Brown, Seattle’s scrappy 2021 fourth-round pick, is swapping navy blue for scarlet red. Brown’s agents broke the news via Instagram, and 49ers fans are already memeing the move like The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon dissecting Doctor Who. Brown’s stats? Solid: 74 tackles, two picks, and a touchdown in 39 games. But here’s the kicker.

49ers agree to terms with DB Tre Brown. https://t.co/4df65Jvhhm

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 12, 2025

He’s joining a secondary that lost Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga. Think of it like replacing Stranger Things characters mid-season—risky, but thrilling. Besides, Brown isn’t coming to start.

He’s depth behind Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green, a low-cost gamble with playoff upside. Remember when the Giants bullpen saved their 2023 World Series run? That’s the vibe here. Brown’s coverage stats?

Meh—he allowed a 124.4 passer rating last year. But Shanahan’s scheme could turn him into a diamond-in-the-rough, like Tom Brady’s sixth-round glow-up. One Seahawks beat reporter put it bluntly: “He’s got a strong game, strong mentality. Just needs the opportunity.” The real drama?

Brown’s snap count plummeted under new Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. Now, he’s hungry. Imagine Ted Lasso’s Roy Kent with a grudge. If Brown locks down the No. 3 corner spot, the 49ers’ run defense gets an instant upgrade. But can he handle elite receivers? Stay tuned.

The Juice is loose: end of an era in San Francisco

While Shanahan plays defense, the 49ers’ offense just lost its Swiss Army knife. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk—aka “Juice”—is getting cut after eight Pro Bowl seasons. Juszczyk wasn’t just a blocker; he was a culture icon. Teammate George Kittle tweeted “,” summing up the mood like The Office’s Michael Scott at a goodbye party.

Juszczyk’s release isn’t just about stats (19 receptions, 200 yards in 2024). It’s about cap space and a shifting NFL meta. Fullbacks are as rare as Seinfeld laugh tracks nowadays. But Juice defied trends, becoming a dual-threat unicorn. His wife, Kristin, hinted at the sting with an Instagram Story of their dog side-eyeing a baseball cap. “Mood,” the caption read. The locker room ripple effect?

Massive. Juszczyk was a Kyle Shanahan staple since 2017, part of the ‘Let’s rebuild this thing’ ethos. Now, the 49ers are pivoting to two-tight-end sets, leaving fullbacks in the rearview. But don’t count Juice out.

He told ESPN, “I’m definitely not done playing. I’ve seen zero regression. I think especially, I mean, you can turn on the last two games and please show me where I’ve regressed, so I have no plans of stopping.” Think Rocky Balboa lacing up for one last fight.

Shanahan’s gambit and the human cost

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan is playing 4D chess. Stealing Tre Brown? Smart. Letting go of Kyle Juszczyk? Heartbreaking. The 49ers’ offseason feels like Game of Thrones—heroic wins and gut-punch losses. Brown’s arrival injects youth into a shaky secondary, while Juszczyk’s exit reminds us football is as much business as it is brotherhood.

Will Shanahan’s bet on Brown pay off? Can Juice find a new home? One thing’s certain: In the NFC West, the drama never stops. Grab your popcorn—this season’s gonna be a rollercoaster.

Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA Today Sports

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ESPN Insider Ryan Clark believes a Christian McCaffrey trade should happen if the 49ers are committing to a rebuild. According to the source, the 49ers are no stranger to rebuilding an entire offense which they are doing already and Clark thinks that “If you are going to rebuild, you should rebuild all the way.” The team has already been taking those steps this offseason after trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel and rumors are floating that Brandon Aiyuk may be next. This means a McCaffrey trade could be a possibility since general manager John Lynch said it himself that they’re listening to all trade requests this offseason and if that’s the case, they should ship the future Hall of Famer to focus on the future.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Stanford product had his chance to take this team to the Super Bowl last year. McCaffrey came to San Francisco in a trade in 2022 after becoming one of the only athletes to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards. Indeed, he already had his championship opportunity since leading the league in scrimmage yards and touchdowns en route to the Super Bowl in 2024. With that, it’s fair to say the team should trade the three-time All-Pro while he’s recovering from an injury suffered last season.

ESPN Insider Believes Christian McCaffrey Trade Could Happen Soon – 5 Teams Who Could Pursue Him

Possible Destinations

Los Angeles Chargers

After giving J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards a one-year opportunity, the team moving on with Najee Harris is an indicator of what head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking for in a running back. He loves a physical hard-nose run game and Harris a perfect representation of that. However, they should maximize quarterback Justin Herbert’s prime window while he’s still young and a man like McCaffrey could give this team’s run game a burst that they need. McCaffrey could be the missing ingredient in their run game that could finally move the chains in Harbaugh’s philosophy.

Dallas Cowboys

It’s hard to envision what the Dallas Cowboys will do beyond the 2025 season but it seems like they are rebuilding once again. The team signing Javonte Williams on a one-year deal likely means they aren’t bringing back Rico Dowdle. The Cowboys are taking the cheap route for another offseason but since after extending Dak Prescott, they should re-think differently. Prescott isn’t getting younger and he needs a mainstay running back to help him like they had a prime Ezekiel Elliott in his rookie year.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders made some flashy signings last offseason to build a new team for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, they have their guy and this is their chance to maximize their championship window. While running back Brian Robinson Jr. has his moments, they could use a veteran like McCaffrey to take over duties and push the Commanders for a Super Bowl since Daniels entered his second year in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

As expected, the Chiefs signed a new running back Elijah Mitchell to give backup for Isiah Pacheco after missing the majority of the 2024 campaign. This means Kareem Hunt probably won’t return and they will wait to see if it’s worth extending Pacheco after this upcoming season. If Pacheco does not work out, they could sign McCaffrey if he becomes available since the 49ers probably won’t trade their best player to the Chiefs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With Najee Harris leaving, this puts Jaylen Warren as the starter this upcoming season. However, since the team did trade for DK Metcalf, the Steelers could be in “win now” mode. If that’s the case, they could test their luck and request from the 49ers if McCaffrey is available for a trade how they did with Brandon Aiyuk already.

The post ESPN Insider Believes this Blockbuster Trade Could Happen Soon – 5 Teams Who Could Be Interested appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

In a shocking move, the San Francisco 49ers will cut fullback Kyle Juszczyk who now becomes a free agent for the second time in his career. According to the breaking news, it’s very surprising the 49ers will release the long-time veteran after spending the majority of his career with the 49ers. However, it was always on their radar this offseason and now the team will free up just under $3 million in salary cap with his release. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Harvard product began his career with the Baltimore Ravens by being one of the first fullbacks coming out of that college.

Juszczyk entered training camp fighting for a starting spot with veteran Vonta Leach and eventually took over duties after Leach’s release the following season in 2014. However, Juszczyk had his moments earning a Pro Bowl with the Ravens but later lost him as he was the top fullback on the market years ago. The veteran became a mainstay of the 49ers making each season a Pro Bowl one and earning first- and second-team All-Pro Honors in 2023 and 2024. He’s in the same position this offseason as there aren’t a lot of fullbacks available in the market other than Patrick Richard, Michael Burton and Reggie Gilliam.

Breaking: 49ers Cut Nine-Time Pro Bowl Veteran Kyle Juszczyk  – Who Will Take a Chance?

Possible Next Teams

Baltimore Ravens

This could be the best destination for the veteran if he lands in Baltimore only if they don’t bring back Patrick Richard. The Ravens saw some positives out of Richard but if they’ve seen enough, they could sign Juszczyk. He could help quarterback Lamar Jackson in the pocket as another body to be a protector in play-action passes.

Dallas Cowboys

As of this posting, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to find the next possible wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Hunter Luepke had his moments this past 2024 campaign as a go-to receiver in pressure situations. Perhaps, Luepke and Juszczyk could pair if the Cowboys have a new scheme under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Los Angeles Chargers

This destination makes too much sense for Juszczyk as quarterback Justin Herbert needs a new pass-catcher. After losing Joshua Palmer in free agency, the team should be in the market for wideout. Juszczyk won’t go for more than 500 receiving yards but he could be an efficient chain-mover for the Chargers since most of their plays will come from runs and play-action passes.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have been checking off every box on their offense after trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel this offseason. However, the running back room could be better even though they have Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. under contract. Despite that, they could use another body in the run game like Juszczyk to help open the holes to make life easier for both of these backs.

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes loves throwing the football in short distances. He fares well finding the short-term target in the aerial attack from Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy or Travis Kelce. With that, the Chiefs could get that out of Juszczyk in special plays.

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Six-year veteran linebacker Dre Greenlaw signed a new contract with the Denver Broncos. Greenlaw, a former fifth-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Broncos are expected to sign 49ers standout LB Dre Greenlaw, giving him a 3-year deal worth $35M, sources say.

— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T23:36:45.508Z

Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos, Agree to Contract

The fact that Dre Greenlaw played at all in 2024 is nothing short of miraculous. After tearing his Achilles in the 2023 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Arkansas product spent most of the season rehabilitating his injury before making his return to the field in mid-December. Playing in two games, the linebacker finished the season with nine tackles. However, the 49ers shut him down once their playoff hopes disappeared.

Dre Greenlaw originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers, the Arkansas product immediately outplayed his draft stock. Starting in 11 games while making 16 appearances, the rookie finished his inaugural season with 92 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and two passes defended. The 49ers made it to the Super Bowl during that magical season but narrowly lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Greenlaw proved his rookie breakout was no fluke in 2020. During the COVID season, the linebacker appeared in 13 games while recording one sack, 86 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits. Injuries limited him to just three games in 2021, but he returned with a vengeance in 2022.

Starting and appearing in 15 games, Greenlaw recorded a career-high 127 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one interception, and six passes defended. The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game but fell to the Philadelphia Eagles after quarterback Brock Purdy suffered an elbow injury early in the contest.

Since signing his rookie contract, Dre Greenlaw has appeared in 64 games while making 56 starts. While on the field, the former fifth-round pick has recorded 455 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, nine quarterback hits, three interceptions, and 3.5 sacks.

Main Photo: Cary Edmonson – USA Today Sports

The post BREAKING: Superstar Linebacker Signs Contract with Denver Broncos appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Seven-year veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward has signed a new contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Ward, a former undrafted free agent, spent the 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers but has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.

The Colts and CB Charvarius Ward have agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal. Saints also made a strong push. @theathletic.bsky.social

— Mike Silver (@mikesilver.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T21:43:08.038Z

Charvarius Ward, Indianapolis Colts, Agree to Contract

The San Francisco 49ers entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations but never quite played up to that potential. Ward was part of those struggles, as the one-time lockdown cornerback had arguably the worst season of his career. Starting and appearing in 12 games, Ward finished the season with no interceptions, seven passes defended, 54 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a 56.2 PFF grade, the 93rd-best mark out of 118 eligible players. The 49ers, meanwhile, missed the playoffs as the entire team battled injuries.

Charvarius Ward originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Signing with the Dallas Cowboys, the Middle Tennessee product spent the offseason battling for a roster spot. Ultimately, he didn’t succeed, as the Cowboys traded Ward to the Kansas City Chiefs for backup offensive guard Parker Ehinger. After spending most of his rookie season in a backup role, Ward earned a starting job in 2019.

Starting in all 16 games, Ward helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl of the Patrick Mahomes Era. While on the field, the defensive back finished the season with two interceptions, 10 passes defended, one forced fumble, and 74 tackles.

After two more seasons with Kansas City, Charvarius Ward signed a new contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He proved he could thrive in a new environment, recording one interception, 11 passes defended, 87 tackles, and three tackles-for-loss in his first season with the club. He followed this up with his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023 while earning Second-Team All-Pro honors and an 84.7 PFF grade, the fifth-best mark in the league.

Main Photo: Neville E. Guard – USA Today Sports

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Four-year veteran offensive lineman Aaron Banks has signed a new contract with the Green Bay Packers. Banks, a former second-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Rap: G Aaron Banks expected to sign with the Packers.

— NFL NEWS (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Aaron Banks, Green Bay Packers, Agree to Contract

Even though the San Francisco 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since he entered the NFL, 2024 was the best season of Aaron Banks’ career. Starting and appearing in 13 games, the Notre Dame product finished the year with a 65.4 PFF grade, the 33rd-best mark out of 76 eligible players. Despite his reliable play, the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season, as injuries affected just about every position on the roster.

Aaron Banks originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers, the Notre Dame product didn’t see the field too often as a rookie. When all was said and done, the rookie appeared in just nine games without making a single start. Despite his lack of involvement, the 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game but narrowly missed the Super Bowl following a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Banks earned the starting left guard job in 2022 and never looked back. Starting and appearing in all 16 games, the second-year pro finished the year with a 59.5 PFF grade, the 48th-best mark out of 77 eligible players. Protecting three separate starting quarterbacks, San Francisco made it to the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aaron Banks retained his starting job in 2023 but couldn’t match his previous play. Despite his drop in performance, the 49ers finally made it to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take down the Kansas City Chiefs and lost in overtime.

Since signing his rookie contract, Aaron Banks has appeared in 53 games while making 43 starts.

Main Photo: Darren Yamashita – USA Today Sports

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