While most of my posts have either been projecting deals, or covering news on current players, I thought I’d take the time to look forward to 2020, and take a look at the 49ers cap situation.
As of now, the 49ers have 60 players signed for 2020, this includes the expected signings of 1st-round pick Nick Boss, and 2nd-round pick Debbo Samuel.
With the 60 players signed, they have $201,980,330 in committed salaries for those 60 players, and on a $200 million projected cap, they have $3,284,670 in cap room, if we only include the top 51 salaries.
Right now the 49ers have $24,765,980 in cap room for 2019, but that’s only factoring in the top 51 rule, and not the entire roster.
Now the 49ers have several ways of creating cap room in 2020, obviously they’ll likely carryover between $20 million to $25 million into 2020, but below are other options, including potential cap cuts.
The 49ers could clear $4.9 million by cutting starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, who hasn’t been as effective as 49ers fans would have liked, and he’s also dealt with his fair share of injuries.
Next up is starting slot cornerback K’Waun Williams, if the 49ers decline his 2020 option, they save $2.45 million, now Williams has played well, but being this would be his final year, and with up-and coming D.J. Reed Jr., coming on, they could turn to him in 2020 and beyond.
Next up are a pair of special teasers, David Mayo, and Mark Nzeocha, who also play linebacker, if they cut Mayo, they save $1.25 million, and if they cut Nzeocha, they save $1.5 million.
Of course there’s other ways to create cap room, they could restructure Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract, by lowering his $23.8 million, while creating a giant sized signing bonus, and if he has a good-great year, they could tack on a few more years onto his deal, and create a good amount of cap room.
They could also extend defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who is due $12.378 million, and use the difference to make up his bonus, and structure, while also saving some cap room.
The same can be done for fullback Kyle Juszyczk, and his $5.05 million base salary, as he’s a guy that the 49ers should look to keep on a new long term deal.
Of course the 49ers will also be eligible to extend tight end George Kittle, and I expect them to do so, but that will take away cap room, probably not too much though.
Some other players to keep an eye on, running back Jerick McKinnon, who is scheduled to earn a $6.5 million base salary, well he may need to take a pay cut to stick with the 49ers, especially with fellow running back Tevin Coleman making just $4.9 million total.
Starting left guard Laken Tomlinson will be entering the 2nd-year of his contract extension, and if he’s due to make $3.5 million in base pay, with $2 million becoming guaranteed on April 1, 2020. He needs to play more consistently, or he could be a cut candidate.
The same can be said for starting right guard Mike Person, who is scheduled to earn $2.5 million total, with only $250,000 guaranteed for injury.
All in all, the 2020 offseason may be a year where they let some of their free agents walk, only sign 1-2 free agents, and extend their own guys, while possibly collecting compensatory draft picks for the 2021 draft.
Another possibility for the 49ers is to backload contracts, which they haven’t done since Kyle Shanahan, and John Lynch came on-board, this would still allow the team to bring in a couple big name free agents, and retain they’re own.
But don’t worry, the 49ers will have cap room to work with either way come 2020, I just wanted people to be aware of the possibilities.
Let me know what you think, by sounding off in the comment section, or sending me questions via Twitter, my handle is @Jay_AB81.
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