Today we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
The 49ers have 9 true linebackers signed for 2021, with them set to count $9,901,976 against the 2021 cap.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with Fred Warner, the 49ers All-Pro middle linebacker, who is set to count $3,636,547 against the 2021 cap.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s lead the team in tackles since coming into the league in 2018, and is the heart & soul of the 49ers defense.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Greenlaw has been a pleasant surprise, so much that he made 2019 free agent signee Kwon Alexander expendable.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s eligible.<\/p>\n
Next is Azeez Al-Shaair, who is the teams starting strongside linebacker, who will count $855,000 against the 2021 cap, but I can\u2019t list him as a lock.<\/p>\n
Al-Shaair has been a good player when called upon, and a very good special teams player.<\/p>\n
But he\u2019ll have to fend off 6 others trying to make the roster.<\/p>\n
Next are 2 veterans set to make $850,000 against the 2021 cap, Nathan Gerry, and James Burgess Jr.<\/p>\n
Gerry isn\u2019t the best cover linebacker, as he\u2019s more of a liability, so I wouldn\u2019t want him playing linebacker, but he\u2019s a great special teams player, so that\u2019s his way to make the team, as a special teamer.<\/p>\n
Burgess is a recent signee, who will also compete for a backup linebacker spot, likely with Gerry, so whoever shows they\u2019re the better special teamer, and linebacker will make the team in my opinion.<\/p>\n
Next is Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who is set to count $780,000 against the 2021 cap, and is a former safety, turned linebacker.<\/p>\n
Like with Gerry, & Burgess, his way onto the roster is by showing how good he is on special teams, and as a linebacker.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hilliard, also has a chance, he needs to show he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
More than likely both of these players will end up on the teams practice squad, where they can be developed.<\/p>\n
Finally is 2020 UDFA Jonas Griffith, who is set to count $660,000 against the 2021 cap.<\/p>\n
Griffith is more of a long shot, and a practice squad candidate.<\/p>\n