Why Defensive Back is a Big Need for the 49ers

Charvarius Ward is an elite cornerback, but he'll be 29 in 2025 and cornerbacks typically don't age gracefully.

One of the 49ers' best position groups in 2023 was defensive back, and they could completely overhaul it in less than a year from now.

That's because Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Ambry Thomas and Talanoa Hufanga all will be free agents in 2025. And all are eligible for extensions right now. And it doesn't seem like any of them will get one this offseason.

And that means defensive back is a huge need for the 49ers.

The only starting DB who's under contract after this year is Ji'Ayir Brown, who was a rookie in 2023. Other than him, the 49ers starting defensive backfield could be completely different next year.

Charvarius Ward is an elite cornerback, but he'll be 29 in 2025 and cornerbacks typically don't age gracefully, because speed is so important at that position. Which means 2024 could be his final season with the 49ers, because I don't expect them to offer him a big contract extension next year.

Deommodore Lenoir is an ascending young cornerback who's only 24. If he plays well this year, he'll be worth big money on the free-agent market next year, and the 49ers might not be able to afford to keep him, considering they'll have to extend Brock Purdy's contract as well. So it's possible the 49ers will low ball Lenoir and he'll leave.

Hufanga was an All Pro safety in 2022 before he tore his ACL in 2023. If he returns to his All Pro form in 2024, the 49ers almost certainly won't be able to afford to extend his contract in 2025.

Which means the 49ers need to draft three defensive backs this year that they can develop into potential starters next year.