Jimmie Ward seems to stick with DeMeco Ryans.
Ward, a star defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers, is expected to join the Houston Texans, the NFL Network reported Monday.
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Jimmie Ward, #1, and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans on the sideline during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Contract details were not immediately disclosed, but if the deal goes through, Ward would return to play for the Ryans after the defensive-minded coach took over in Houston at the start of the offseason. Ryans was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022.
Ward had been a staple in the 49ers’ secondary since he was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of northern Illinois. He spent nine seasons with the 49ers and amassed 451 tackles, seven interceptions and three sacks.
San Francisco 49ers number 1 Jimmie Ward leads the pre-game group against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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In 2022, Ward played in 12 games and had 50 combined tackles with three interceptions. He added two QB hits and a tackle for loss. San Francisco had the best defense in the NFL last season. The team was first in points and yards allowed.
San Francisco made it to the NFC Championship, but a debilitating quarterback injury crushed their chances of making it to the Super Bowl when they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jimmie Ward, #1 of the San Francisco 49ers, stands on the sideline during the national anthem before the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philly. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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In the wake of the playoff exit, Ryans took over the head coaching job with the Texans as Houston looks to rebuild and renew itself after a few years of uncertainty and unsuccessful seasons. Houston has the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft and could draft a quarterback.