Charvarius Ward And The Bucs
March 10th, 2025
49ers free agent CB Charvarius Ward.
Two weeks ago at the combine, Bucs coach Todd Bowles preached about the need for “ballhawks.” He seemed embarrassed by his pass defense last year and is determined to do something about it.
Now “this Joe” is down on Jamel Dean, but only because he cannot stay on the field. In particular, “this Joe” is disturbed that Dean rarely can be found on the field in crunch time in playoff games.
That’s why “this Joe” wants to move on. No other reason.
Well, if Bowles is looking for ballhawks, then there is a corner on the west coast that wants to put California in his rear-view mirror, and that is 49ers corner Charvarius Ward, 29.
Two years ago, Ward had five picks and 23 passes defensed. Pretty good. Last year? No picks. But Joe is more than willing to give Ward a pass.
Ward’s daughter, just shy of her second birthday, was very sick and was fighting for her life with a heart illness. She lost that battle in October.
The loss hit Ward hard. Joe feels for the guy. His head or his heart (or both) wasn’t in the game. Joe can’t blame him one bit.
Well, Ward has told the 49ers he really doesn’t want to play with them any longer. Money isn’t an issue. Rather, he told Nick Wagoner of BSPN, every time he visits the San Francisco area, he cannot get the memory of his sick little girl out of his head.
“I’ve got a lot of trauma in California,” Ward said. “I had a lot of great times, but the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, that’s probably going to ever happen to me — knock on wood — happened in California. It can just bring up bad memories. Every time I get on a plane and come back to California, Santa Clara, San Jose, and show up here, it just brings up bad memories.
“I go through that every day. I go home every night by myself because my girl, she doesn’t want to come back to California because of what happened. So, it is hard being alone, and she’s my strength right now. I need her, and so her not being able to be around me if I’m in California, it’d be tough.”
So Ward wants a change of scenery. Maybe Tampa Bay would put his mind at ease?
Mike Jones of The Athletic thinks that the Bucs may just be the right fit.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Charvarius Ward
The Buccaneers have a strong defensive front anchored by Vita Vea, but they really could benefit from adding a top-flight cornerback like Ward. He seems likely to depart San Francisco after a trying 2024, which included the death of his 1-year-old daughter, and could potentially benefit from a change of scenery.
In 2022 and 2023, Ward never missed a game. Yes, he missed five games last year, but that was because he was dealing with his daughter’s issues.
It doesn’t sound like Ward wants to retire. He just doesn’t want to play in California.
Despite his personal battles, Ward doesn’t miss games and at least before last year, he was around the football.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:24 am
SOMEBODY RIGHT NOW. Even if it’s Revel.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:27 am
I think this would be a solid pick up, a change of scenery would be good for him.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:28 am
Maybe trade Dean for him.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:38 am
Since me, and Ward belong to a club no one wants to join, I would love to see this man land in Tampa.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:46 am
Market value of 15 mil I highly doubt it!
March 10th, 2025 at 7:49 am
Wow, that is so sad. My heart goes out to him where ever he ends up.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:52 am
Jason likes yard sale players, he won’t spend the money.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Thinking Ward is the perfect fit for the Bucs. Would love to see us get him. So very sad about his daughter. Understand the loss and what they are going through. The Bucs are the perfect family for he and his family. We wrapped our arms around Shaq and would do the same for Charvarius.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:06 am
“She lost that battle last October.”
Please Joe, don’t use phrases like that. I know you mean well, but it implies something negative. Like ‘if only she fought harder’. Some people get better, others don’t, but there are no winners and losers.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:11 am
I’m sure Shaq Barrett can relate and let him know what type of organization he can come to.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:27 am
He would certainly find a kindred spirit in Shaq Barrett.
And Shaq is the kind of person who would step up to the plate on that.
His stats and his numbers (barring last season obviously) look good, and it seems he can stay on the field.
We have nothing to lose by making an inquiry.
The money might make Jason Licht pause, but he and Asst. GM Mike certainly know how to work with those things.
Let’s see what happens!
March 10th, 2025 at 8:36 am
Certainly would be a welcome addition.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:38 am
I like him quite a bit. Also how about Blake High’s own Isaiah Rodgers? Heard the Bucs are one of 4 teams interested.
March 10th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Is Shaq Barrett going to resign on a vet minium or incentive type deal? I remember him saying he wasn’t just returning for the playoffs. Not the edge rush we desperately need but may be decent depth 2 years removed from the achilles
March 10th, 2025 at 9:08 am
What is relative cost Dean vs Ward? You will never mistake Dean for a “ballhawk.” In fact, just the opposite, he seems allergic to receivers and footballs.