The San Francisco 49ers will have some tough decisions surrounding several free agents this offseason, but one they are not expected to hang on to is cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Ward was an excellent free agent signing by the 49ers in 2022 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2023, when he led the league in pass breakups with 23 and had five interceptions.

But Ward made it clear after the end of the 2024 season that his future likely lies away from the 49ers.

Ward told reporters he has been suffering from PTSD following the tragic death of his one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, last October. He said that every flight to California brings up "bad memories" and that his girlfriend does not want to return to the state.

Charvarius Ward didn't rule out a return to the 49ers, but says he's suffering from PTSD following the death of his 1-year-old daughter — and some of it is location-based.

"I'll be throwing up, waking up in the middle of the night, sweating," Ward said. "I got a lot of trauma in… pic.twitter.com/uz4Q2TEuhp

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 6, 2025

Though Ward did not rule out playing for San Francisco in 2025, it would appear highly unlikely, and for the 49ers are well prepared for his departure, having signed Deommodore Lenoir to an extension during the 2024 season and drafted Renardo Green in the second round last year.

Green enjoyed an excellent rookie season and is primed to move into a full-time starting role in 2025.

But the 49ers know how valuable Ward can be when he is at his best. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the former Kansas City Chiefs corner made it clear that is what the team that signs him in free agency can expect.

Ward wrote: "Whatever team I’m on next year gone get the best version of ME. I’m HUNGRY."

The 49ers would obviously love to have Ward in their secondary playing with the motivation to return to the incredible standards he set in 2023.

But, for understandable reasons, that does not seem like a feasible scenario. A fresh start is clearly what Ward believes he needs and, regardless of where he is playing, he will undoubtedly continue to have the full support of the 49er organization.

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They should at least ask the question.