Jimmie Ward could be an expensive insurance policy for 49ers

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Jimmie Ward might have gone from an integral part of the 49ers’ defense to an insurance policy.

An expensive insurance policy.

Last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged it is possible the versatile defensive back could open the season as the top backup at each position in the secondary.

If so, Ward, who will earn $8.52 million guaranteed this season, could be the 49ers’ most expensive backup since Steve Young caddied for Joe Montana.

“I think that’s a compliment I like to give Jimmie,” Shanahan said. “That’s the type of player he is and how talented he is, that he’s capable (of doing that). If Jimmie doesn’t earn a starting role, there’s also a good chance he’s the first backup at every single position: strong safety, free safety, nickel (corner), (outside) corner, because he’s capable of being a starter at all of those positions.”

Given the 49ers’ lack of proven depth in the secondary, Ward’s potential super-sub role could be integral this season. However, it also would be a demotion. Last year, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh moved the 2014 first-round pick, a starter in each of his first four seasons, from cornerback to free safety, which is a vital spot in his 4-3 defense.

Ward’s free-safety role has been assumed by Adrian Colbert, a 2017 seventh-round pick who turned heads after a broken forearm forced Ward to miss the final eight games of last season. In offseason practices, Ward has started at outside cornerback with Ahkello Witherspoon. However, Ward probably will be supplanted this summer by Richard Sherman, who is rehabilitating from a torn Achilles tendon and expects to be ready for training camp.

Ward has played nickel corner, but K’Waun Williams played well there last year and could be pushed this season by rookie D.J. Reed, a fifth-round pick. Finally, Ward won’t be competing at strong safety with Jaquiski Tartt, who signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension in April.

Ward could be a higher-compensated backup than Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles, the Super Bowl MVP.

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward (25) attempts to return an interception for a touchdown during a football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins on October 15, 2017, at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) less LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward (25) attempts to return an interception for a touchdown during a football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins on ... more Photo: Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images Photo: Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Jimmie Ward could be an expensive insurance policy for 49ers 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

“It’s not going to be easy for (Ward) to start at any of those five” positions, Shanahan said. “Right now, he’s trying to do it at corner. We’ll reassess this at the end of OTAs and see how it is in training camp. If he’s not starting, that’s because those five guys in front of him are playing their positions very well and Jimmie will be the first guy most likely off the bench.”

The 49ers picked up the fifth-year option on Ward’s contract, which they could afford because they have been swimming in salary-cap space.

It can be argued they couldn’t afford to lose Ward. Consider: Ward’s 24 career starts are 22 more than the combined total of the 13 other projected backup defensive backs on the 49ers’ offseason roster. And the only other backups who have started an NFL game, cornerbacks C.J. Goodwin and Trovon Reed, aren’t guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.

Ward’s presence provides a safety net in case Sherman, 30, can’t come close to recapturing his All-Pro form, or if Colbert can’t replicate his impressive NFL debut. In addition, it could allow the 49ers to be patient developing Reed and rookie cornerback Tarvarius Moore, a third-round pick.

How does Ward feel about his nebulous role?

In April, Ward noted attrition makes it likely he’ll play plenty in 2018. Because of injuries, he said, he played three positions in the secondary in one game — a loss to the Colts — last year.

“The season is long and guys get banged up — it’s the NFL,” Ward said. “So I’m happy to be doing what I am now.”

The 49ers prize Ward’s versatility, but his lack of durability is a reason why they aren’t committed to him beyond this season: Ward has missed 22 of 64 career games with broken bones (foot, collarbone, forearm) and has finished three of his first four seasons on injured reserve.

Of course, Ward wants to be viewed as a slam-dunk starter, but he agreed his salary suggests the 49ers view him as a valuable part of 2018.

“I really feel like they think highly of me,” Ward said. “Obviously, there has to be something good.”

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ebranch@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Eric_Branch