With the first 2 weeks of the 2020 NFL season now in the books, and boy has it been a stress filled 2 weeks, with a heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals in week 1, and while they won their week 2 matchup with the Jets, they lost several players, including DE Nick Bosa, & DT Solomon Thomas, both to torn ACLs, while also losing QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RBs Raheem Mostert, & RB Tevin Coleman, while also not being without TE George Kittle after his week 1 injury, I feel now is the time to take a look at the 49ers 2021 salary cap situation.

Now, the 2021 salary cap will be at least $175 million per team, with the potential to go up if the NFL is able to get more revenue, and I believe the highest the 2021 salary cap may reach is $198.2 million, which happens to be the 2020 salary cap.

The last time the salary was as low as $175 million was 2018, when it was $177.2 million, so for this I’m going to go with the assumption that the 2021 salary cap will stay at $175 million, and use the 2018 restricted free agent tender numbers, which are, $4.419 million for the 1st-round tender, $2.914 million for the 2nd-round tender, and $1.907 million for the original round tender, also known as the right of first refusal tender.

UPDATE: Ziggy Ansah got a 1-year deal, worth $1.45 million, with a $1.25 million base salary, non-guaranteed, and a $200,000 signing bonus. He only counts $1,302,941 against the cap since the $1.25 million base salary prorates for 15 weeks, not the full 17 weeks, if you want to check out the 49ers current 2020 salary cap table, just go to the home page, which is, https://www.49erscap.com/.

With this new information, I have the 49ers at $7,476,403 in 2020 salary cap room.

Something to note is I won’t be factoring in either the 49ers current salary cap room, as the team still needs $1,217,875 to pay back per game roster bonuses, plus they need money for practice squad promotions, and in season emergencies.

I also won’t factor in the expected $3.125 million in LTBE incentives, by RG Tom Compton($125,000), & CB Richard Sherman($3 million), that the 49ers should get back as credits/adjustments for 2021.

As of now the 49ers have 31 scheduled free agents for the 2021 offseason, and I will list them below by unrestricted free agents, restricted free agents, & exclusive rights free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

QB 3 C.J. Beathard
RB 26 Tevin Coleman
RB 28 Jerick McKinnon
FB 44 Kyle Juszcyzk
WR 15 Trent Taylor
WR 84 Kendrick Bourne
WR 14 Mohamed Sanu Sr.
WR 5 Tavon Austin
TE 81 Jordan Reed
C 63 Ben Garland
RG 66 Tom Compton
LT 71 Trent Williams
DE 94 Ezekiel Ansah
DE 92 Kerry Hyder Jr.
DE 96 Dion Jordan
DT 94 Solomon Thomas
NT 93 D.J. Jones
LEO 98 Ronald Blair III
CB 25 Richard Sherman
CB 24 K’Waun Williams
CB 22 Jason Verrett
CB 23 Ahkello Witherspoon
CB 27 Dontae Johnson
SS 29 Jaquiski Tartt

Restricted Free Agents:

QB 4 Nick Mullens
RB 30 Jeff Wilson Jr.
TE 82 Ross Dwelley
CB 41 Emmanuel Moseley
SS 36 Marcell Harris

Exclusive Rights Free Agents:

RG 60 Daniel Brunskill
CB 35 Ken Webster

Before we get into the free agents, I need to say that the MLB Fred Warner will see his 2021 base salary, which is $982,000, escalate to the right of first refusal tender, plus an additional $250,000, which is in the NFL’s CBA, can be found here at OverTheCap, https://overthecap.com/introducing-the-collective-bargaining-agreement-on-over-the-cap/, while the rules for the PPE, better known as Proven Performance Escalator here, https://overthecap.com/introducing-the-collective-bargaining-agreement-on-over-the-cap/, so book mark both links, as Jason Fitzgerald, who owns, and runs OTC, will keep the PPE page updated all season long.

So Warner’s projected new base salary would be the ROFR tender, which if the cap stays at $175 million, would be around $1.907 million, plus an additional $250,000, so $2.157 million. Now if Warner makes the Pro Bowl, which is a very good possibility, his base salary would escalate to $2.914 million, but for this article, I won’t project whether Warner makes the Pro Bowl or not, since it’s just a popularity contest, & we all know that the All Pro teams are what really matters.

Now, if the salary cap does rise to around $198.2 million, his base salary would be either $2.383 million, or $3.259 million.

Now as for the 49ers current salary cap room for 2021, I have them at $7,437,526, with just 36 players signed, and the current cap table can be found here, http://49erscap.com/index.php/49ers-2021-salary-cap-numbers/, but I will post it below as well, but just up to the players cap numbers, to see the rest of their numbers, check out the 2021 cap page.

Name Pos. Signed 2021 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2022$26,852,941
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$20,696,761
Alexander, Kwon – #56WLB/SLB2022$16,521,444
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$12,500,000
Richburg, Weston – #58C2022$11,263,965
Ward, Jimmie – #20FS/CB2022$11,000,000
Bosa, Nick – #97DE/LEO2022$9,325,509
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2021$6,250,000
McGlinchey, Mike – #69RT2021$6,006,052
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$5,494,118
Gould, Robbie – #9PK2022$5,250,000
 Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2021$3,718,628
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$3,520,159
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$2,848,034
Samuel, Deebo – #19WR2022$2,099,279
Pettis, Dante – #18WR2021$2,036,543
Nzeocha, Mark – #53SLB2021$1,582,353
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2021$1,234,547
Hurd, Jalen – #14WR/TE2022$1,167,186
Moore, Tarvarius – #33FS/CB2021$1,116,093
Nelson, Kyle – #86LS/TE2022$1,075,000
Benjamin, Travis – #17WR2021$1,075,000
Coleman, Shon – #78LT/RT2020$1,057,500
Wishnowsky, Mitch – #6P2022$1,041,018
Street, Kentavius – #95DT/DE2021$1,002,550
Taylor, Jullian – #77NT/DT2021$944,511
James Jr., Richie – #13WR2021$939,143
Greenlaw, Dre – #57SLB/WLB2022$930,429
Brendel, Jake – #64C2020$920,000
Skule, Justin – #67RT/LT2022$894,887
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$862,445
Al-Shaair, Azeez – #51MLB2021$855,000
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$825,258
Flannigan-Fowles, Demetrius – #45WLB/MLB2021$780,000
Thompson, Chris – #2WR2021$780,000
Givens, Kevin – #90DT/NT2021$780,000
Total  $165,246,352
Dead  $2,316,122
Total and Dead  $167,562,474
2021 Cap  $175,000,000
Cap Room  $7,437,526
Players under contract  36 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Jerick McKinnon  $2,000,000
Jauan Jennings  $83,268
Tim Harris Jr.  $79,154
D.J. Reed Jr.  $77,843
Darrion Daniels  $16,667
JaMycal Hasty  $10,000
Chris Finke  $10,000
DeMarkus Acy  $10,000
Jared Mayden  $6,667
Salvon Ahmed  $6,667
Chase Harrell  $5,334
Jonas Griffith  $5,334
Josh Hokit  $3,334
Shaun Poindexter  $1,668
Broc Rutter  $186
    
Total  $2,316,122

Now, let’s start with the 49ers 2021 restricted, & exclusive rights free agents.

I expect the 49ers to tender Mullens, & Moseley at the 2nd-round level, which would be $2.914 million, while also tendering Brunskill, & Webster at the 3rd-year minimum of $850,000.

As for restructures, I have the 49ers restructuring Jimmy Garoppolo, Weston Richburg, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander, & Jimmie Ward’s contracts, and the salary cap savings are listed below.

For Jimmy Garoppolo, I actually believe the 49ers won’t just restructure his deal, but they will actually extend Garoppolo, I won’t go into future cap numbers, but the 49ers should lower his 2021 base salary, which is $24.1 million, down to $1.075 million, which is the league minimum for his service, and take the difference, turn it into a signing bonus, thus spreading it over 5 years.

If they did this, the 49ers would save a total of $18.42 million in salary cap space.

Next up is Weston Richburg, right now the 49ers would only save $2,813,717 in salary cap room if they decide not to exercise his 2021 contract option, but I expect them to restructure Richburg’s deal, likely adding 1 more voidable year to his deal to maximize the cap savings. I would lower his $7.85 million base salary, down to $1.075 million, which is the league minimum for his service.

If they did this, the 49ers would save a total of $5.42 million in salary cap space.

Next we have Arik Armstead, which actually has a $7.5 million protected option bonus, that must be exercised any time by or before April 1, 2021, which would add on $1.5 million in prorated bonuses to the rest of his contract, if they decided not to exercise it, the $7.5 million would be added to his current $6.65 million base salary.

If I’m the 49ers I restructure Armstead’s 2021 year, either from the $6.5 million, down to the league minimum of $990,000, which would create $4.528 million in salary cap room, now if the 49ers did not exercise his option bonus, choosing to add the $7.5 million to his current $6.5 million base salary, they’d save $10.528 million, while also not having an additional $1.5 million in prorated bonus from 2022-2025, since the option would be exercised, thus saving $10.528 million, but it’s not what it seems.

If the 49ers don’t exercise his option, his cap number goes from $12.5 million to $18.5 million, which would then leave the 49ers with just $1,444,695 in 2021 salary cap room heading into March 2021.

Now, they’d actually save $4.528 million either way, the 49ers need to decide if they want Armstead’s 2022-2025 salary cap numbers to be $1.5 million more, or $1.5 million less, also note that the 2025 contract year voids if the 49ers can’t reach a new deal with Armstead by the 5th day of the 2025 waiver period, which is 5 days after the Super Bowl.

So after considerable consideration, I’m going to go with them not exercising his option bonus, thus adding the $7.5 million to his $6.65 million base salary, making his base salary $14.15 million, I’d still restructure his deal to save $4.528 million, but taking $1.5 million of his salary cap numbers from 2022-2025.

So far, the 49ers would save $28.368 million in salary cap room, which would give the 49ers $27,109,695 in 2021 salary cap room, and this includes the tenders of Mullens, Moseley, Brunskill, & Webster, & the escalation of Warner’s base salary.

Next up would be Dee Ford, now if the 49ers were to cut ties with Dee, they’d save $6,336,258 in salary cap room, but if the 49ers were to lower his $15.15 million base salary down to the league minimum of $1.075 million, and adding 2 voidable years, they’d save $11.26 million in salary cap room.

I truly believe that Ford has more to offer, and when he’s on the field he’s one of the best EDGE rushers in all of the National Football League, so I just don’t see the 49ers cutting ties with Ford.

Up next would be Kwon Alexander, who if the 49ers decided to cut ties with would save $6,102,377 in salary cap room, while they’d save $9.18 million by lowering his $12.55 million base salary down to the league minimum of $1.075 million.

Now, I know the 49ers have an emerging star in former 2019 5th-round pick Dre Greenlaw, but the 49ers would be wise, in my opinion, to keep Alexander for 2021.

Finally, we have Jimmie Ward, who has a $8.4 million base salary, and if they lower that down to $1.075 million, adding 2 more voidable years, they’d save $5.86 million.

So if they did these restructures, they’d now have $53,409,695 in 2021 salary cap room, again including the tenders of Mullens, Moseley, Brunskill, Webster, and the salary escalation of Warner’s contract.

Now let’s look at the unrestricted free agents that the 49ers should bring back in my opinion, with APYs, which stands for Average Per Year.

As many know, I have labeled the following 4 players as the biggest priorities for the 49ers.

FB Kyle Juszyzck, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 4-year deal, worth $5.25 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $5.5 million
2022- $3.5 million
2023- $6 million
2024- $6 million

LT Trent Williams, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 5-year deal, worth $16 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $5.5 million
2022- $5.5 million
2023- $20.5 million
2024- $24.5 million
2025- $25 million

CB Richard Sherman, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 3-year deal, worth $10 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $8 million
2022- $7 million
2023- $15 million

CB K’Waun Williams, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 4-year deal, worth $8 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $7.5 million
2022- $3.5 million
2023- $10.5 million
2024- $10.5 million

Next up, I’d re-sign the following players to cheap 1-year deals.

C Ben Garland – 1-year deal, worth $2 million
DE Kerry Hyder Jr. – 1-year deal, worth $2 million
LEO Ronald Blair III – 1-year deal, worth $3 million
DT Solomon Thomas – 1-year deal, worth $1,127,500

Next up is to sign their practice squad players to reserve/future deals, so I’ll now include the current practice squad players below, with their 2021 cap numbers.

RB JaMycal Hasty – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
RB Austin Walter – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
FB Josh Hokit – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
WR Jauan Jennings – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
WR River Cracraft – $780,000 in 2021, $895,000 in 2022
WR Kevin White – $920,000 in 2021
TE Chase Harrell – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
RG Dakoda Shepley – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
LT William Sweet – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
LEO Alex Barrett – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
NT Darrion Daniels – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022
CB Brian Allen – $850,000 in 2021
CB Tim Harris Jr. – $780,000 in 2021, $895,000 in 2022
SS Jared Mayden – $660,000 in 2021, $825,000 in 2022

For the time being, I won’t add on C Hroniss Grasu, MLB Joe Walker, and SS Johnathan Cyprien, as they would likely be signed to normal 1-year deals, worth $850,000, which would be veteran minimum salary benefit deals, where they get paid their normal minimum base salaries, but only $850,000 count against the salary cap for each of them.

So, let’s look at the idea of re-signing a few more of our unrestricted free agents.

RB Jerick McKinnon, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 2-year deal, worth $3 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $4 million
2022- $2 million

WR Kendrick Bourne, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 2-year deal, worth $2.5 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $3 million
2022- $2 million

NT D.J. Jones, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 5-year deal, worth $5 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $2.5 million
2022- $2.5 million
2023- $5.5 million
2024- $6.5 million
2025- $8 million

After these re-signings, I have the 49ers at $18,842,195 in 2021 salary cap room with the top 51 rule, while $6,712,195 in effective cap room.

Lastly I have the 49ers re-signing the following 2 players.

TE Jordan Reed, I would have the 49ers re-sign to a 1-year deal, worth the league minimum, but only counting $850,000 against the cap.

SS Jaquiski Tartt, I would have the 49ers re-sign him to a 3-year deal, worth $9.5 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers per year below.

2021- $6.5 million
2022- $5.5 million
2023- $14.5 million

Also with the Tartt deal, I would do what the 49ers did with Jimmie Ward, give him a 3-year deal, with a 4th year that voids, which would leave over some dead money in 2024, but only $2 million.

Lastly I would re-sign RB Tevin Coleman to a 2-year deal, worth $5 million, with cap hits of $2.5 million in 2021 and 2022.

Of course, after 2020 the following players are eligible for extensions that are currently on the 49ers 2020 roster.

WR 18 Dante Pettis
WR 13 Richie James Jr.
RT 69 Mike McGlinchey
DT 95 Kentavius Street
NT 77 Jullian Taylor
MLB 54 Fred Warner
FS 33 Tarvarius Moore

I believe the 49ers will do their best to lockup Fred Warner, they could lower his new base salary of $2.157 million, to $920,000, turning the rest into a signing bonus, which would be $1.237 million, which isn’t enough to extend Warner, but they can easily use a little bit of their 2021 cap room, like they did with George Kittle, which could only take up between $2 million to $3 million in 2021 salary cap room, while also having a low 2022 salary cap number, similar to Kittle’s 2021 $5.5 million salary cap number.

As for Warner’s potential extension numbers, I believe Warner is one of the top 3 linebackers in the league, and will likely get between $15 million to $17 million a year on average.

This is what I would do if I was the 49ers, I would sign Warner to a 5-year extension in 2021, through 2026, worth $15 million a year, with the breakdown of his cap numbers wise below, with a $15 million signing bonus, which prorates at $3 million a year from 2021-2025, and I would also lower his base salary to $920,000.

2021- $4,172,547
2022- $5.5 million
2023- $10.5 million
2024- $12 million
2025- $15 million
2026- $17 million

As for a potential Raheem Mostert potential extension, I believe he could get in the $5 million a year on average.

I would sign Mostert to a 4-year extension in 2021, through 2025, worth $5 million a year, with a breakdown of his cap numbers wise below, with a $5 million signing bonus, which prorates at $1 million a year from 2021-2025.

I would also get Mostert to lower his base salary of $2.975 million, down to $990,000, and using the difference, plus some cap room as his prorated portion for 2021.

2021- $2,737,709
2022- $3 million
2023- $3 million
2024- $4 million
2025- $5 million

Next up would be a potential extension for Laken Tomlinson, who I believe could get in the $5.5 million a year on average.

I would sign Tomlinson to a 4-year extension in 2021, through 2025, worth $5.5 million a year, with a breakdown of his cap numbers wise below, with a $6.25 million signing bonus, which prorates at $1.25 million a year from 2021-2025.

I would also have Tomlinson lower his base salary from $4.5 million, down to $1.075 million, using the difference, plus some cap room as his prorated portion for 2021.

2021- $4.075 million
2022- $3 million
2023- $3 million
2024- $4.5 million
2025- $5.25 million

I would also re-sign the following players to veteran minimum salary benefit deals.

WR Mohamed Sanu Sr. – 1-year deal, worth $1,127,500
CB Jason Verrett – 1-year deal, worth $1,127,500
CB Dontae Johnson – 1-year deal, worth $850,000

While I would sign the following restricted free agents that weren’t tendered to minimum deals.

RB Jeff Wilson Jr. – 1-year deal, worth $920,000
TE Ross Dwelley – 1-year deal, worth $920,000
SS Marcell Harris – 1-year deal, worth $920,000

After every transaction I’ve done, including restructures, re-signings, and extensions, the 49ers would have $1,917,026 in top 51 cap room, while being $17,792,974 over the effective cap, which is expected.

Also expect Mike McGlinchey to have his 5th-year option picked up, which would likely be in the $12.525 million, which is what the 2018 transition tag number was, which is what the 5th-year option is based off of.

Of the remaining players eligible for extensions, I would definitely re-sign Jullian Taylor, and Tarvarius Moore at some point, either in 2021, or 2022.

Also note that Kentavius Street will be a restricted free agent in 2022, which the 49ers would likely tender him at the original round tender, which would require any team to send a 4th-round pick back to the 49ers if they sign him to a offer sheet.

As for Dante Pettis, unless he can so something, and earn more playing time, I doubt the 49ers bring him back after 2021, and they may cut ties in 2021, either via trade, or an outright release.

As far as the future goes, past 2022, the current 49ers would be eligible for extensions after 2022.

WR 19 Deebo Samuel
WR 14 Jalen Hurd
LT 67 Justin Skule
DE 97 Nick Bosa
SLB 57 Dre Greenlaw

Now obviously, Nick Bosa will have his 5th-year option picked up, but it’s way too early to tell what that 5th-year option number would be, but as for an extension, expect Bosa to get between $30 million to $35 million a year, which would surpass his brother Joey Bosa, who got $27 million a year he got this offseason from the Los Angeles Chargers.

As for guys like Deebo Samuel, and Dre Greenlaw, it’s anybody’s best guess what they could command, or get, but it’s safe to assume it’ll be in the double digits.

Now, the 49ers also have a few players signed through 2021 that could get extensions in the 2021 offseason, those are RB Raheem Mostert, and LG Laken Tomlinson, which they could easily lower both of their base salaries, convert it into bonus money, or use a little cap room to extend them, likely Mostert, as his base salary is only $2.975 million, where Tomlinson’s is $4.5 million.

I want to explain that the idea of these re-signings, and extensions, are to have low 1st-year, and potentially 2nd-year salary cap numbers, so it eases up on the cap, since the cap may not raise as much as originally thought, due to to the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, I do have to look at the future for a bit, in 2022, I have the 49ers only $13,240,890 over the 2022 projected salary cap of $227.5 million, but I’m not factoring in any carryover money, or projected adjustments/credits, just like for 2021, where I do expect the 49ers to receive a $3.125 million credit for Compton, and Sherman’s incentives that are counting against the salary cap this season, so don’t worry, I expect the 49ers to do a couple restructures, or cuts, that would save the team a good amount of cap room.

The 49ers could also extend Mike McGlinchey in 2022, by lowering his $12.525 million projected cap hit, and turning the remainder into a signing bonus, spread over 5 years.

Also for 2022, I have 12 players signed that were reserve/future deals from 2021, the practice squaders, which would free up $10.4 million if they’re not on the roster, making their projected cap numbers.

Ok, now it’s time to show the 2021 cap table after all of these transactions.

Name Pos. Signed 2021 Cap Number
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$9,436,761
Bosa, Nick – #97DE/LEO2022$9,325,509
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$8,432,941
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$8,000,000
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$7,972,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$7,500,000
Alexander, Kwon – #56WLB/SLB2022$7,341,444
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS2023$6,500,000
McGlinchey, Mike – #69RT2021$6,006,052
Richburg, Weston – #58C2022$5,843,965
Williams, Trent – #71LT 2025$5,500,000
Juszcyzk, Kyle – #44FB2024$5,500,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$5,494,118
Gould, Robbie – #9PK2022$5,250,000
Ward, Jimmie – #20FS/CB2022$5,140,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$4,172,547
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2021$4,075,000
McKinnon, Jerick – #28RB2022$4,000,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$3,520,159
Blair III, Ronald – #98LEO/DT2021$3,000,000
Bourne, Kendrick – #84WR2022$3,000,000
Mullens, Nick – #4QB2021$2,914,000
Moseley, Emmanuel – #41CB2021$2,914,000
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$2,848,034
 Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$2,733,628
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$2,500,000
Coleman, Tevin – #26RB2022$2,500,000
Samuel, Deebo – #19WR2022$2,099,279
Pettis, Dante – #18WR2021$2,036,543
Garland, Ben – #63C2021$2,000,000
Hyder Jr., Kerry – #92DE/DT2021$2,000,000
Nzeocha, Mark – #53SLB2021$1,582,353
Thomas, Solomon – #94DT/DE2021$1,217,500
Verrett, Jason – #22CB2021$1,217,500
Sanu Sr., Mohamed – #14WR2021$1,217,500
Hurd, Jalen – #14WR/TE2022$1,167,186
Moore, Tarvarius – #33FS/CB2021$1,116,093
Nelson, Kyle – #86LS/TE2022$1,075,000
Benjamin, Travis – #17WR2021$1,075,000
Coleman, Shon – #78LT/RT2020$1,057,500
Wishnowsky, Mitch – #6P2022$1,041,018
Street, Kentavius – #95DT/DE2021$1,002,550
Taylor, Jullian – #77NT/DT2021$944,511
James Jr., Richie – #13WR2021$939,143
Greenlaw, Dre – #57SLB/WLB2022$930,429
Brendel, Jake – #64C2020$920,000
White, Kevin – #88WR2021$920,000
Dwelley, Ross – #82TE2021$920,000
Wilson Jr., Jeff – #30RB2021$920,000
Harris, Marcell – #36SS2021$920,000
Skule, Justin – #67RT/LT2022$894,887
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$862,445
Al-Shaair, Azeez – #51MLB2021$855,000
Brunskill, Daniel – #60RG/C2021$850,000
Webster, Ken – #35CB2021$850,000
Grasu, Hroniss – #50C2021$850,000
Walker, Joe – #59WLB/MLB2021$850,000
Cyprien, Johnathan – #32SS2021$850,000
Allen, Brian – #46CB2021$850,000
Reed, Jordan – #81TE2021$850,000
Johnson, Dontae – #27CB/FS2021$850,000
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$825,258
Flannigan-Fowles, Demetrius – #45WLB/MLB2021$780,000
Thompson, Chris – #2WR2021$780,000
Cracraft, River – #1WR2022$780,000
Harris Jr., Tim – #35CB2022$780,000
Givens, Kevin – #90DT/NT2021$780,000
Hasty, JaMycal – #38RB2022$660,000
Hokit, Josh – #40FB2022$660,000
Jennings, Jauan – #17WR2022$660,000
Harrell, Chase – #83TE2022$660,000
Shepley, Dakoda – #61RG/C2022$660,000
Sweet, William – #62LT2022$660,000
Daniels, Darrion – #65NT2022$660,000
Mayden, Jared – #43FS/CB2022$660,000
Barrett, Alex – #64LEO2022$660,000
Walter, Austin – #48RB2022$660,000
Total  $190,476,852
Dead  $2,316,122
Total and Dead  $192,792,974
Top 51 Rule  $173,082,974
2021 Cap  $175,000,000
Cap Room  $1,917,026
Effective Cap Room  ($17,792,974)
Players under contract  77 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Jerick McKinnon  $2,000,000
Jauan Jennings  $83,268
Tim Harris Jr.  $79,154
D.J. Reed Jr.  $77,843
Darrion Daniels  $16,667
JaMycal Hasty  $10,000
Chris Finke  $10,000
DeMarkus Acy  $10,000
Jared Mayden  $6,667
Salvon Ahmed  $6,667
Chase Harrell  $5,334
Jonas Griffith  $5,334
Josh Hokit  $3,334
Shaun Poindexter  $1,668
Broc Rutter  $186
    
Total  $2,316,122

Below is the 2022 cap table with all of the re-signings I’ve made.

Next up is 2023, where I have 17 players signed, with the 49ers being $26,372,509 under the projected 2023 cap of $241 million.

Name Pos. Signed 2022 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2022$31,605,000
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$24,599,996
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$21,132,000
Alexander, Kwon – #56WLB/SLB2022$18,916,444
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$16,100,000
Richburg, Weston – #58C2022$13,560,141
Ward, Jimmie – #20FS/CB2022$12,965,000
McGlinchey, Mike – #69RT2022$12,525,000
Bosa, Nick – #97DE/LEO2022$10,875,564
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$7,000,000
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$5,500,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$5,500,000
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS 2023$5,500,000
Gould, Robbie – #9PK2022$4,750,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$4,224,191
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$3,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$3,500,000
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$3,417,641
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$3,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$3,000,000
Samuel, Deebo – #19WR2022$2,899,159
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$2,500,000
Coleman, Tevin – #26RB2022$2,500,000
McKinnon, Jerick – #28RB2022$2,000,000
Bourne, Kendrick – #84WR2022$2,000,000
Hurd, Jalen – #14WR/TE2022$1,361,717
Wishnowsky, Mitch – #6P2022$1,156,018
Nelson, Kyle – #86LS/TE2022$1,140,000
Greenlaw, Dre – #57SLB/WLB2022$1,045,429
Skule, Justin – #67RT/LT2022$1,009,887
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$977,445
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$940,258
Cracraft, River – #1WR2022$895,000
Harris Jr., Tim – #35CB2022$895,000
Hasty, JaMycal – #38RB2022$825,000
Walter, Austin – #48RB2022$825,000
Hokit, Josh – #40FB2022$825,000
Jennings, Jauan – #17WR2022$825,000
Harrell, Chase – #83TE2022$825,000
Shepley, Dakoda – #61RG/C2022$825,000
Sweet, William – #62LT2022$825,000
Barrett, Alex – #64LEO2022$825,000
Daniels, Darrion – #65NT2022$825,000
Mayden, Jared – #43FS/CB2022$825,000
Total  $240,740,890
Dead  $0
Total and Dead  $240,740,890
2022 Cap  $227,500,000
Cap Space  ($13,240,890)
Players under contract  44 Players

Below is the 2023 cap table.

Next up is 2023, where I have 17 players signed, with the 49ers being $27,372,409 under the projected 2023 cap of $241 million.

Name Pos. Signed 2023 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$27,500,000
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$24,599,996
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$22,872,000
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$19,500,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$16,300,000
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$15,000,000
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS2023$14,500,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$10,500,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$10,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$6,000,000
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$5,500,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$4,928,223
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$3,987,248
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$3,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$3,000,000
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$1,092,445
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$1,055,258
Total  $189,835,170
Dead  $23,792,321
Total and Dead  $213,627,491
2023 Cap  $241,000,000
Cap Space  $27,372,509
Players under contract  17 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Kwon Alexander  $11,061,179
Weston Richburg  $6,336,142
Jimmie Ward  $6,395,000
    
Total  $23,792,321

Next is 2024, where I have 10 players signed, and $111.928 million in cap room on a projected $256 million cap.

Note that both WR Brandon Aiyuk, and DT Javon Kinlaw aren’t included, as I can’t properly project their 5th-year option numbers for 2024.

Below is the 2024 cap table.

Name Pos. Signed 2024 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$27,500,000
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$24,392,000
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$24,500,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$18,050,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$10,500,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$10,500,000
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$6,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$6,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$4,500,000
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$4,000,000
Total  $136,442,000
Dead  $7,630,000
Total and Dead  $144,072,000
2024 Cap  $256,000,000
Cap Space  $111,928,000
Players under contract  10 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Dee Ford  $5,630,000
Jaquiski Tartt  $2,000,000
    
Total  $7,630,000

As for 2025, It’s way too early to project what the 2025 salary cap will be set at, but I think it’s safe to assume it will be a gigantic jump from 2024 to 2025, since by then the revenue losses that are spread over 4 years will be over with.

But, I do have 5 players signed for 2025, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, TE George Kittle, LT Trent Williams, DE Arik Armstead, and NT D.J. Jones, now of course by then, the 49ers will have likely extended the likes of QB Nick Mullens, WR Deebo Samuel, WR Brandon Aiyuk, TE Charlie Woerner, LG Colton McKivitz, RG Daniel Brunskill, RT Mike McGlinchey, DE Nick Bosa, DT Javin Kinlaw, DT Kentavius Street, DT Kevin Givens, NT Jullian Taylor, SLB Dre Greenlaw, CB Emmanuel Moseley, and FS Tarvarius Moore to new long term deals, as all of these players are very young, and should be apart of the teams core down the road in my opinion.

And of course, I don’t have any potential draft pick numbers includes, as it’s impossible to properly project those numbers without truly knowing the future salary cap’s.

As for the rest of the 2021 free agents, it’s possible the team re-signs WR Trent Taylor, but I could see a team overpaying him, due to popularity of tiny slot wide receivers, while the likes of QB C.J. Beathard, WR Tavon Austin, RG Tom Compton, DE Ezekiel Ansah, DE Dion Jordan, & CB Ahkello Witherspoon are guys that shouldn’t be main priorities, or given high salaries.

The only thing about these 4 players are, they’d get at most, in my opinion, the league minimum $850,000 base salary, and a $137,500 signing bonus, which is what a veteran minimum benefit deal is, totaling just $987,500 as a cap number.

I can see the 49ers re-signing Beathard, and Jordan to veteran minimum deals.

Out of these 2, I think Beathard is the most likely to be brought back, while Jordan may not make it the entire season, with the likes of Ronald Blair III, and Jullian Taylor eligible to return off of reserve/PUP anytime after week 6, so Jordan may find himself back on the teams practice squad, where I would re-sign him to a league minimum deal of $850,000.

Ansah could be re-signed to a deal similar to what he got, which was a 1-year deal, worth $1.45 million.

So hopefully this puts most 49er fans worries to rest, the team can, and will be able to keep their core players together.

Ok, after some people expressed concern about 2022 in this article, I decided to add on to it, so if the salary cap is indeed more than $175 million, say in the $198.2 million, then I wouldn’t restructure Weston Richburg, Arik Armstead, or Jimmie Ward’s contracts, this also means Fred Warner’s base salary would go from $2.157 million, to $2.383 million, while Nick Mullens, & Emmanuel Moseley’s RFA tenders would go from $2.914 million, to $3.259 million, and Mike McGlinchey’s 2022 5th-year option would go from $12.525 million to $14.666 million.

Also, if the cap is $198.2 million, the 49ers would still need to restructure the contracts of Jimmy Garoppolo(more of an extension), Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, and Jimmie Ward, mainly because they’d have little cap room to sign their draft picks, as Garoppolo saves $18.42 million, Ford saves $11.26 million, Armstead saves $4.528 million, and Ward saves $5.86 million.

If the 49ers chose to cut ties with Dee Ford, they’d actually lose $4,923,742 in cap room, so whether fans like it or not, we need to restructure Ford, if we want to keep our key free agents.

As for Armstead’s deal, I would decline the option, which would save the team $1.5 million in cap room from 2022-2025.

As for the teams salary cap space for 2021, I have them at $9,747,908 with the top 51 rule, and over the effective cap by $9,962,092, which was expected.

As for the 2022 salary cap, I have them still over the cap, but only by $11,731,890 to be exact, but if the 49ers were able to carryover the near $9.75 million, they’d be over the 2022 salary cap by only $1,983,982, with some restructures, or cuts needed in 2022, likely someone like Weston Richburg, Dee Ford, and/or Kwon Alexander, while Dre Greenlaw becomes eligible for an extension, in addition to Deebo Samuel.

The 49ers could also extend Mike McGlinchey in 2022, by lowering his $14.666 million projected cap hit, and turning the remainder into a signing bonus, spread over 5 years.

Another player to note is Robbie Gould, they have until week 17 of this season to make a decision on his option for the 2021, and 2022 seasons, and if they decide not to exercise, they would save $3.75 million in 2021, and $4.75 million in 2022, so it’s a very real possibility that the 49ers decline the option, decide to go younger, and save some cap room.

Below are the new cap tables for 2021-2024.

2021 cap table:

Name Pos. Signed 2021 Cap Number
Alexander, Kwon – #56WLB/SLB2022$16,521,444
Richburg, Weston – #58C2022$11,263,965
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$9,436,761
Bosa, Nick – #97DE/LEO2022$9,325,509
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$8,432,941
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$8,057,000
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$8,000,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$7,500,000
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS2023$6,500,000
McGlinchey, Mike – #69RT2021$6,006,052
Williams, Trent – #71LT 2025$5,500,000
Juszcyzk, Kyle – #44FB2024$5,500,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$5,488,235
Gould, Robbie – #9PK2022$5,250,000
Ward, Jimmie – #20FS/CB2022$5,140,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$4,172,547
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2021$4,075,000
McKinnon, Jerick – #28RB2022$4,000,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$3,520,159
Mullens, Nick – #4QB2021$3,259,000
Moseley, Emmanuel – #41CB2021$3,259,000
Blair III, Ronald – #98LEO/DT2021$3,000,000
Bourne, Kendrick – #84WR2022$3,000,000
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$2,848,034
 Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$2,733,628
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$2,500,000
Coleman, Tevin – #26RB2022$2,500,000
Samuel, Deebo – #19WR2022$2,099,279
Pettis, Dante – #18WR2021$2,036,543
Garland, Ben – #63C2021$2,000,000
Hyder Jr., Kerry – #92DE/DT2021$2,000,000
Nzeocha, Mark – #53SLB2021$1,582,353
Thomas, Solomon – #94DT/DE2021$1,217,500
Sanu Sr., Mohamed – #14WR2021$1,217,500
Verrett, Jason – #22CB2021$1,217,500
Hurd, Jalen – #14WR/TE2022$1,167,186
Moore, Tarvarius – #33FS/CB2021$1,116,093
Nelson, Kyle – #86LS/TE2022$1,075,000
Benjamin, Travis – #17WR2021$1,075,000
Coleman, Shon – #78LT/RT2020$1,057,500
Wishnowsky, Mitch – #6P2022$1,041,018
Street, Kentavius – #95DT/DE2021$1,002,550
Taylor, Jullian – #77NT/DT2021$944,511
James Jr., Richie – #13WR2021$939,143
Greenlaw, Dre – #57SLB/WLB2022$930,429
Brendel, Jake – #64C2020$920,000
White, Kevin – #88WR2021$920,000
Dwelley, Ross – #82TE2021$920,000
Wilson Jr., Jeff – #30RB2021$920,000
Harris, Marcell – #36SS2021$920,000
Skule, Justin – #67RT/LT2022$894,887
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$862,445
Al-Shaair, Azeez – #51MLB2021$855,000
Brunskill, Daniel – #60RG/C2021$850,000
Webster, Ken – #35CB2021$850,000
Grasu, Hroniss – #50C2021$850,000
Walker, Joe – #59WLB/MLB2021$850,000
Cyprien, Johnathan – #32SS2021$850,000
Allen, Brian – #46CB2021$850,000
Reed, Jordan – #81TE2021$850,000
Johnson, Dontae – #27CB/FS2021$850,000
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$825,258
Flannigan-Fowles, Demetrius – #45WLB/MLB2021$780,000
Thompson, Chris – #2WR2021$780,000
Cracraft, River – #1WR2022$780,000
Harris Jr., Tim – #35CB2022$780,000
Givens, Kevin – #90DT/NT2021$780,000
Hasty, JaMycal – #38RB2022$660,000
Hokit, Josh – #40FB2022$660,000
Jennings, Jauan – #17WR2022$660,000
Harrell, Chase – #83TE2022$660,000
Shepley, Dakoda – #61RG/C2022$660,000
Sweet, William – #62LT2022$660,000
Daniels, Darrion – #65NT2022$660,000
Mayden, Jared – #43FS/CB2022$660,000
Barrett, Alex – #64LEO2022$660,000
Walter, Austin – #48RB2022$660,000
Total  $205,845,970
Dead  $2,316,122
Total and Dead  $208,162,092
Top 51 Rule  $188,452,092
2021 Cap  $198,200,000
Cap Room  $9,747,908
Effective Cap Room  ($9,962,092)
Players under contract  77 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Jerick McKinnon  $2,000,000
Jauan Jennings  $83,268
Tim Harris Jr.  $79,154
D.J. Reed Jr.  $77,843
Darrion Daniels  $16,667
JaMycal Hasty  $10,000
Chris Finke  $10,000
DeMarkus Acy  $10,000
Jared Mayden  $6,667
Salvon Ahmed  $6,667
Chase Harrell  $5,334
Jonas Griffith  $5,334
Josh Hokit  $3,334
Shaun Poindexter  $1,668
Broc Rutter  $186
    
Total  $2,316,122

2022 cap table:

Name Pos. Signed 2022 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2022$31,605,000
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$24,599,996
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$21,132,000
Alexander, Kwon – #56WLB/SLB2022$16,621,444
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$16,100,000
McGlinchey, Mike – #69RT2022$14,666,000
Ward, Jimmie – #20FS/CB2022$12,965,000
Richburg, Weston – #58C2022$12,205,141
Bosa, Nick – #97DE/LEO2022$10,875,564
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$7,000,000
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS 2023$5,500,000
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$5,500,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$5,500,000
Gould, Robbie – #9PK2022$4,750,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$4,224,191
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$3,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$3,500,000
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$3,417,641
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$3,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$3,000,000
Samuel, Deebo – #19WR2022$2,899,159
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$2,500,000
Coleman, Tevin – #26RB2022$2,500,000
McKinnon, Jerick – #28RB2022$2,000,000
Bourne, Kendrick – #84WR2022$2,000,000
Hurd, Jalen – #14WR/TE2022$1,361,717
Wishnowsky, Mitch – #6P2022$1,156,018
Nelson, Kyle – #86LS/TE2022$1,140,000
Greenlaw, Dre – #57SLB/WLB2022$1,045,429
Skule, Justin – #67RT/LT2022$1,009,887
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$977,445
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$940,258
Cracraft, River – #1WR2022$895,000
Harris Jr., Tim – #35CB2022$895,000
Hasty, JaMycal – #38RB2022$825,000
Walter, Austin – #48RB2022$825,000
Hokit, Josh – #40FB2022$825,000
Jennings, Jauan – #17WR2022$825,000
Harrell, Chase – #83TE2022$825,000
Shepley, Dakoda – #61RG/C2022$825,000
Sweet, William – #62LT2022$825,000
Barrett, Alex – #64LEO2022$825,000
Daniels, Darrion – #65NT2022$825,000
Mayden, Jared – #43FS/CB2022$825,000
Total  $239,231,890
Dead  $0
Total and Dead  $239,231,890
2022 Cap  $227,500,000
Cap Space  ($11,731,890)
Players under contract  44 Players

2023 cap table:

Name Pos. Signed 2023 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$27,500,000
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$22,872,000
Ford, Dee – #55LEO2023$21,784,996
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$19,500,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$16,300,000
Sherman, Richard – #25CB2023$15,000,000
Tartt, Jaquiski – #29SS2023$14,500,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$10,500,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$10,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$6,000,000
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$5,500,000
Kinlaw, Javon – #99DT2023$4,928,223
Aiyuk, Brandon – #11WR2023$3,987,248
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$3,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$3,000,000
McKivitz, Colton – #68LG2023$1,092,445
Woerner, Charlie – #89TE2023$1,055,258
Total  $187,020,170
Dead  $12,902,321
Total and Dead  $199,922,491
2023 Cap  $241,000,000
Cap Space  $41,077,509
Players under contract  17 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Jimmie Ward  $6,395,000
Kwon Alexander  $4,176,179
Weston Richburg  $2,331,142
    
Total  $12,902,321

2024 cap table:

Name Pos. Signed 2024 Cap Number
Garoppolo, Jimmy – #10QB2026$27,500,000
Williams, Trent – #71LT2025$24,500,000
Armstead, Arik – #91DE/DT2025$24,392,000
Kittle, George – #85TE2025$18,050,000
Warner, Fred – #54MLB2026$12,000,000
Williams, K’Waun – #24CB2024$10,500,000
Jones, D.J. – #93NT2025$6,500,000
Juszyzck, Kyle – #44FB2024$6,000,000
Tomlinson, Laken – #75LG2025$4,500,000
Mostert, Raheem – #31RB2025$4,000,000
Total  $137,942,000
Dead  $7,630,000
Total and Dead  $145,572,000
2024 Cap  $256,000,000
Cap Space  $110,428,000
Players under contract  10 Players
Dead Money  Amount
Dee Ford  $5,630,000
Jaquiski Tartt  $2,000,000
    
Total  $7,630,000

I’d like to also note a couple of more things, if the 49ers carryover any of their current 2020 salary cap room, which again is at $7,476,403, plus the projected $3.125 million in credits for incentives not earned by Richard Sherman, and Tom Compton, they’d be at most $12,518,429 under the 2021 salary cap if it’s $175 million, or they’d be at most $20,349,311 under the 2021 salary cap if it’s $198.2 million.

So in a way, the 49ers, if they’re able to carryover enough cap room, plus get the needed adjustments/credits, they may not have to restructure Dee Ford’s contract, since he’d save the team $11.26 million, so they’d either have $1,258,429 on a $175 million cap, or $9,089,311 on a $198.2 million cap, after all the re-signings, extensions, restructured, etc.. I’ve done.

Also, if the 49ers decided not to bring back Jaquiski Tartt, they would save $5.72 million in 2021(due to the top 51 rules where a player takes his spot on the top 51), $5.5 million in 2022, $14.5 million in 2023, and the $2 million dead money in 2024 from adding a voidable year, like they did with Jimmie Ward this past offseason.

So they would, in 2022, be just $7,740,890 over the 2022 salary cap if the 2021 cap is $175 million, or $6,321,890 over the 2022 salary if the cap 2021 cap is $198.2 million, and the reason for the difference, is due to who’s contracts would be restructured in 2021 based on either a $175 million cap(Jimmy Garoppolo, Weston Richburg, Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, Kwon Alexander, & Jimmie Ward), or a $198.2 million cap(Jimmy Garoppolo, Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, & Jimmie Ward.

Finally, I’d like to thank each, and every one of you who actually decided to read this entire, and massive article/page, I hope you enjoyed it, and as always follow me on Twitter, @Jay_AB81.

About Author

ByJason Hurley

Die Hard 49ers fan from New York, been covering the 49ers salary cap since 2005, with several different websites, including NinersNation.com, & the now defunct NinerCapHell, I have a track record of being as accurate as possible, & I try to be as thorough as possible.

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