The Cincinnati Bengals missed out on the playoffs in 2024, despite quarterback Joe Burrow playing like an MVP-caliber player. Burrow put up 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Despite Burrow playing out of his mind, the Bengals simply got going too late. After a 1-4 start, the team finished the regular season with a five-game winning streak.

Despite the late push, the 9-8 record was not good enough to land a playoff berth. One of the biggest glaring issues the Bengals have is their defense, especially the secondary.

Cinncinati was in the top half of teams in terms of passing yards allowed with an average of 223.5 yards per game. The Bengals need a boost at the position and could look to the San Francisco 49ers to secure a pending free agent.

49ers star corner Charvarius Ward has expressed interest in leaving the Bay Area and could be a prime target for the Bengals.

Ward is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and will likely fetch a new contract that would place him near the top 10 at the position. After a previous annual salary of $13.5 million, the 49ers corner could be looking at a pay raise.

Ward secured 72 total tackles, a league-leading 23 pass deflections, five interceptions, and one pick-six in 2023. This led to a Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro nod.

In 2024, Ward only appeared in 12 games, securing 54 total tackles and seven passes defended.

Based on his performance, Ward should still secure a contract that places him in the conversation of top 10 corners. Newsweek Sports predicts the Bengals could offer Ward a contract in the realm of three-year, $54 million.

The new projected extension places Ward at $18 million per season, placing him at No. 12 overall in terms of corner salaries. He would be right under Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, who is at $19 million.

Ward is a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player, but his most recent slump and injuries could lead to a lower price point. However, he deserves to be paid higher than his previous $13 million annual salary.

The Bengals need a boost at secondary, and adding Ward to the roster would immediately bolster the pass defense for the team.

Cinncinati is also one of the top teams in the league, sitting near the top 10 of the NFL with $47 million over the cap. With a lot of room to play with, they could easily land Ward with a new deal, beginning their defensive overhaul.