The Detroit Lions are predicted to pursue Charvarius Ward, a former All-Pro cornerback from the San Francisco 49ers. Ward’s contract value is estimated to be around $40.5 million.
Ward had a down year in 2024, allowing a 61.5% completion percentage and 7.5 yards per target, his worst marks since 2018. However, he’s still in his prime and has shown he can play at a high level in the past.
The Lions need to address their cornerback position, especially with Carlton Davis heading to free agency and their young corners being question marks. Adding Ward would provide stability and talent to the position.
In 2022, Ward had a standout season with the 49ers, allowing just 33 receptions on 64 targets, with three interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He was also named a Second-Team All-Pro that year.
It’s worth noting that the Lions have around $46 million in cap space, which could be enough to accommodate Ward’s contract. However, it’s unclear if the team will prioritize signing Ward or if they’ll explore other options in free agency.
The Lions’ cornerback room currently consists of young players like Jerry Jacobs, Amani Oruwariye, and Jeff Okudah. While these players have shown promise, they’re still developing and may not be ready to take on a starting role.
Adding a veteran presence like Ward could help stabilize the position and provide guidance for the younger players. It’s likely that the Lions will explore various options in free agency and the draft to address their cornerback needs.