San Francisco 49ers’ salary cap space may not be as bad as expected

The tightening of the 49ers’ salary cap may not be as bad as it looks as it would be in the offseason. With a salary cap dropping from $ 175 million to $ 180 million and the ability to do some maneuvering to free up space, San Francisco could find itself with more flexibility than initially expected. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer in his MMQB column reported that the 49ers were ninth in the league with a week before the legal tampering window opened.

Breer presented all of the cap space numbers as of Sunday via the head of an NFL team’s salary cap and San Francisco has available space of $ 28.02 million against a cap of $ 183 million. of dollars.

Here’s what the top 10 looks like:

1. Jaguars: $ 86.42
2. Jets: $ 78.96 million
3. Colts: $ 70.89 million
4. Patriots: $ 68.74 million
5. Washington: $ 56.77 million
6. Broncos: $ 45.48 million
7. Bengals: $ 42.55 million
8. Panthers: $ 31.25 million
9. 49ers: $ 28.02 million
10. Chargers: $ 25.60 million

By the time the dust settles on heading maneuvers, the 49ers could be working with something closer to $ 40 million. They could save $ 5.7 million by parting ways with DE Dee Ford, and an additional $ 3.3 million by ditching C Weston Richburg. That alone would get them to $ 37 million in theaters.

With LT Trent Williams, FB Kyle Juszczyk and CB K’Waun Williams all hitting the unrestricted free agent market, having financial flexibility this offseason will be key, especially with a team like the Jets that could be competitive for many agents. free 49ers due to the familiarity of the new coaching staff with San Francisco.

Things still won’t be easy this offseason, but the 49ers appear to be in much better shape than they were at the end of last season.