The 49ers may be able to move on from one of their standout defensive players before the NFL trade deadline on November 5th.

San Francisco star cornerback Charvarius Ward, who was a second-team All-Pro last season, is a player to keep an eye on due to his expiring contract and difficult style of play, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported .

“Following Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending knee injury, fellow receiver Deebo Samuel is likely off the table,” Russini wrote in an article published Saturday. “However, cornerback Charvarius Ward, a second-team All-Pro in 2023, is off the table, has had a difficult start to the season, is on an expiring contract and could draw interest.

Ward is in the final season of his three-year, $40.5 million contract. Whoever traded for the 28-year-old would be buying a rental.

In six games, Ward has zero interceptions and five pass breakups; in the 2023 campaign, he had five and 23, respectively. Fellow cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir, Isaac Yiadom and rookie Renardo Green were also more than serviceable, making Ward somewhat expendable.

Money, of course, could be the biggest factor in Ward's future in San Francisco.

“With Javon Hargrave out for the season, the Niners need help in the trenches, ideally in the form of a defensive tackle who can also provide a pass-rushing push,” Russini wrote. “At the same time, given the postseason salary cap calculation — Brock Purdy is eligible for a massive contract extension — they might be tempted to listen when other teams inquire about some of their highly paid veterans.”

The 49ers don't have to trade anyone.

Running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Dre Greenlaw are among San Francisco's other key players and will return for the 2024 NFL season. At least John Lynch, president of football operations, believes health will naturally give the 49ers a boost.

But the 49ers are 3-4 and looked nothing like the 12-5 team from last season.

Trading Ward – or another star – should be considered at the deadline. The seven-year veteran simply hasn't lived up to the standards of his expensive contract and could leave next offseason.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast