Why the 49ers should not replace Tarvarius Moore with Jimmie Ward at free safety

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh mentioned today in his press conference that with the return of Jimmie Ward that the starter at free safety is undecided. I explain why replacing Tarvarius Moore with Ward is not the right call.

Safety Jimmie Ward will finally see the field for the first time in 2019 against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. The question remains is in what capacity will be on the field? Well defensive coordinator Robert Saleh gave us some indication at his presser on the role Ward will play in the upcoming primetime matchup.

When asked who is going to start at free safety, Robert Saleh responded "That one is still being decided." As good of a player that Jimmie Ward is, that is not the right direction for the 49ers to go in. Ward is not a long-term option for this team and it's evident with his one-year deal. They have already tried to make it work with him so many times and it is clear that he isn't the answer.

#49ers DC Robert Saleh says the team’s starting free safety for Monday is undecided. Jimmie Ward is healthy, and Saleh reiterated he believes Ward is one of the team’s best 11 defenders.

— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) October 4, 2019

Even if he starts to look good, he will likely just get injured again. It is practically in his DNA to sustain an injury over the course of the season. It's not a matter of if, but when Ward will get injured. Let's say it happens in week 10, then they are going to roll out Tarvarius Moore who has just been anchoring the sidelines or special teams.

To start him over Tarvarius Moore is less than ideal. I understand that Moore hasn't done much to leave a lasting impression and that Ward, right now, is likely the better player. However, they are still better off focusing in on his development and investing in him so that he can become the future. It's not like he has done a poor job or anything of the sort. Constant band-aids at the safety position is not beneficial for the 49ers' defense.

Will Jimmie Ward make his #49ers season debut Monday vs #Browns? Will he replace Moore as free safety?
“His versatility allows us to use him in different ways and you’ll find out how on Monday,” DC Robert Saleh.

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 4, 2019

Now it is possible to keep Moore as the starter and implement Ward all over the defense since he is versatile. At least in this way, Moore will still be out there and gaining experience. They both could even rotate on certain situations with each other at free safety or even roll out a three safety set. That is a pretty common look now in the NFL.

Regardless, I fully expect Robert Saleh to give Jimmie Ward the nod as the starter. He just has a soft spot for him and it was evident when he was asked if he believes Ward is still one of his best 11 players? Saleh happily answered "I do believe he is." Now I am not saying that Ward is a terrible player or anything of the sort. He will help make this defense better, but he can still do so without disrupting the development of Tarvarius Moore.