After losing top cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency, the San Francisco 49ers are leaning on second-year pro Renardo Green to help carry the load in 2025—and if his late-season performances in 2024 were any indication, he might be more than ready.
Green, who was thrust into a larger role during Ward’s absence, didn’t flinch. He broke up passes, snagged an interception, and held quarterbacks to just 2.8 yards per target in a short-week divisional game. Across 57 targets last season, he allowed just three touchdowns and registered 12 pass breakups—impressive numbers for a rookie still finding his footing.
With Deommodore Lenoir now earning top-dollar and potentially moving to a new role on the perimeter, Green’s development couldn’t come at a better time. Lenoir was stellar last season, not allowing a single touchdown and dropping his completion percentage allowed to a career-low 50 percent. Still, his versatility could allow him to thrive in the nickel if Green locks down the outside.
Pro Football Focus already named Green the 49ers’ breakout candidate for 2025, citing his strong metrics and the team’s quiet offseason at cornerback as signs of confidence.
New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also sees the potential. When asked whether this roster felt like a rebuild, he quickly shut it down and mentioned core leaders like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Lenoir—and Green.
With Saleh’s guidance, Green has the tools to become the next Richard Sherman or Sauce Gardner in San Francisco’s system. If that happens, it won’t just solidify the secondary—it could elevate the entire defense.
From Rookie Standout to Defensive Anchor: Renardo Green Ready for Spotlight
