The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday they have re-signed DB Jimmie Ward to a three-year deal, signed LB Joe Walker to a one-year deal and that exclusive rights free agent TE Ross Dwelley signed his one-year tender. Dwelley was tendered a one-year contract on March 5, 2020.
"Jimmie has proven to possess many of the characteristics we are looking for in a 49er, and we are excited to keep him in red and gold," said 49ers General Manager John Lynch. "His no-nonsense passion for the game amplifies his special physical abilities, while also setting a tone for our defense. This extension allows Jimmie to continue to grow in our defense and we look forward to seeing where he can take his game."
The 49ers originally selected Ward (5-11, 193) in the first round (30th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 64 games (44 starts) throughout his six-year career, tallying 267 tackles, 28 passes defensed, 3.0 sacks and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). He also started three postseason contests, adding 17 tackles and one forced fumble. In 2019, he started all 13 games in which he appeared and registered 60 tackles, eight passes defensed and 1.0 sack on defense while adding a career-high five tackles on special teams.
A 28-year-old native of Mobile, AL, Ward attended the University of Northern Illinois. In 55 games (39 starts) over four seasons with the Huskies, he finished with 320 tackles, 26 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, four forced fumbles, 2.0 sacks, one fumble recovery and four blocked kicks.
Walker (6-2, 236) was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round (251st overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. In four NFL seasons with the Eagles (2016-17) and Arizona Cardinals (2018-19), Walker appeared in 42 games (14 starts) and registered 82 tackles, one pass defensed and one forced fumble.
In 2019 with Arizona, Walker registered career highs in games played (16), games started (11) and tackles (65) to go along with the first forced fumble of his career.
A 27-year-old native of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Walker attended the University of Oregon, where he appeared in 40 games (21 starts) and finished with 205 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, three fumble recoveries (two returned for a touchdown), two passes defensed and one interception. As a senior in 2015, he started all 12 games and led the Ducks with 87 tackles and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown).
Dwelley (6-5, 235) registered career highs in games played (16) games started (six), receptions (15), receiving yards (91) and receiving touchdowns (two) in 2019. He also appeared in all three postseason games.
