Coming off a heart breaking Super Bowl loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers will head into this offseason with one goal in mind: getting back to the big game next season.

In order to do so, they’ll have to build on what they started last season. Stifling defense to go along with a ground and pound attack on offense paved the way for San Fran’s Super Bowl run in 2019, and it’ll surely be their recipe for success again next season.

Most of the Niners’ key defensive starters from last season are under contract, except for one key member of their secondary. Safety Jimmie Ward is a pending free agent and it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be back in San Francisco next season.

He’s had nagging injuries throughout his career, which could impact his contract negotiations. At 28-years-old, he still has a handful of productive years left in the tank, but the injuries may catch with sooner than expected.

If he does hit the open market, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would be a very solid option to replace him in free agency.