Today we’re going to continue our 9-part series on how much each position group makes against the 49ers 2021 cap, and today we have the linebackers.
The 49ers have 9 true linebackers signed for 2021, with them set to count $9,901,976 against the 2021 cap.
Let’s start with Fred Warner, the 49ers All-Pro middle linebacker, who is set to count $3,636,547 against the 2021 cap.
Warner finally got the recognition that he deserved in 2020, when he was named as an All-Pro, and to the Pro Bowl, and deservingly so, as he’s lead the team in tackles since coming into the league in 2018, and is the heart & soul of the 49ers defense.
Warner is 1 of 2 linebackers locked into spots, and later this offseason, he will be rewarded with a new long term extension, something like a 5-year deal, worth between $18 million to $20 million a year, with over $40 million in guaranteed money.
Next we have the other lock at linebacker, Dre Greenlaw, who is set to count $930,429 against the 2021 cap, and will man the weakside linebacker spot.
Greenlaw has been a pleasant surprise, so much that he made 2019 free agent signee Kwon Alexander expendable.
Dre is a great cover linebacker, great tackler, and a leader, so I expect another good season from Dre, and a long term extension after 2021 when he’s eligible.
Next is Azeez Al-Shaair, who is the teams starting strongside linebacker, who will count $855,000 against the 2021 cap, but I can’t list him as a lock.
Al-Shaair has been a good player when called upon, and a very good special teams player.
But he’ll have to fend off 6 others trying to make the roster.
Next are 2 veterans set to make $850,000 against the 2021 cap, Nathan Gerry, and James Burgess Jr.
Gerry isn’t the best cover linebacker, as he’s more of a liability, so I wouldn’t want him playing linebacker, but he’s a great special teams player, so that’s his way to make the team, as a special teamer.
Burgess is a recent signee, who will also compete for a backup linebacker spot, likely with Gerry, so whoever shows they’re the better special teamer, and linebacker will make the team in my opinion.
Next is Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who is set to count $780,000 against the 2021 cap, and is a former safety, turned linebacker.
Like with Gerry, & Burgess, his way onto the roster is by showing how good he is on special teams, and as a linebacker.
Next up are 2 2021 UDFAs who both got $125,000 guaranteed, and will both count $670,000 against the 2021 cap, those being Elijah Sullivan, & Justin Hilliard.
Sullivan has a chance to make the team if he, like the others, shows he can be a good special teamer, and a good backup linebacker.
Hilliard, also has a chance, he needs to show he’s a good linebacker, and special teamer, plus Nick Bosa is probably the reason why the 49ers signed him, as he told the 49ers brass that they needed to get him.
More than likely both of these players will end up on the teams practice squad, where they can be developed.
Finally is 2020 UDFA Jonas Griffith, who is set to count $660,000 against the 2021 cap.
Griffith is more of a long shot, and a practice squad candidate.
So with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap, or leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
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