The San Francisco 49ers could be nearing the end of a long run as title contenders.

Not only are the 49ers now in last place in the NFC West, thanks to their blowout loss in Green Bay on Sunday, but theyre soon going to have to let some of their top talent walk in free agency. The only question is who stays, and who goes.

If the 49ers opt not to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, theyll have payroll flexibility more on par with what theyre currently used to. But if Purdy stays and makes $50 million per season instead of $1 million, that changes the entire landscape.

One player likely to be affected is cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is in the final year of his three-year, $40.5 million deal with the 49ers. Given that San Francisco signed fellow corner Deommodore Lenoir to a $92 million extension earlier this month, it seems more likely than not that Ward will be headed elsewhere.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report recently predicted that Ward would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers this spring in his quest to add a second Super Bowl ring to his decorated resume.

Charvarius Wards contract with the San Francisco 49ers is set to void at the end of the season. He will likely be a pricey free agent, and it only makes sense to sign him to a one- or two-year deal, but he could be the kind of player that puts the Steelers defense over the top, Ballentine said.

Pittsburgh is a legitimate contender this season because of an elite defense and an offense that understands how to help that elite defense. Joey Porter Jr. continues to improve, but veteran corner Donte Jackson is a bit of a liability. Ward wouldnt come cheap and they may have to do some cap gymnastics to make it work, but the risk could be worth the reward.

Ward, 28, has had a decorated seven-year career that peaked in 2023 with his first career Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. He has played in seven games this season, but has been absent since late October while mourning the death of his one-year-old daughter.

Losing Ward to Pittsburgh wouldnt be ideal, but the 49ers may not have much say in the matter. Extending Lenoir made San Franciscos priorities clear, and Ward now has to put himself first and find the best possible deal.