Niner Noise
FanSided

Breaking Down San Francisco 49ers’ 2016 Salary Cap Situation

By Bryan Knowles

Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi /

Secondary

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Antoine Bethea’s contact is too large for a safety who will be 32 years old in 2016, but he’s still a leader and force when he plays. He may have to take a paycut to remain with the team, but they should try to get something fair to both parties done, as his leadership is needed.

The large amount of cap space the 49ers have means that they should consider extending Eric Reid, whose rookie contract expires after this season. Reid is a former Pro Bowl safety who is still developing, and quite nicely—getting a deal done now and avoiding the hassle with fifth-year options and the like would be a smart, long-term move.

The 49ers could also use a top cornerback. Tramaine Brock is a solid starter and there are good, interesting young pieces, but no real shutdown player to make everyone around him better. They likely don’t want to use a high draft pick on the position with all their other needs, but this might be something they look at in free agency. Josh Norman of Carolina mentioned he loved the Bay Area when he was in town for the Super Bowl, so he might be an option to target. Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Casey Hayward and Sean Smith may also be on the radar if Norman gets franchise-tagged.

Next: Special Teams