5 possible cap casualties the 49ers should target in 2018
By Peter Panacy
![SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Martellus Bennett #88 of the New England Patriots in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Martellus Bennett #88 of the New England Patriots in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a8906071699bd4115827f061063ecfee4121e2cb1c8c6f4fc0ccee21943659de.jpg)
No. 2: Wide Receiver A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
2018 Cap Hit: $13,750,000
This isn’t as much of a cap hit, rather a roster-makeover hit, potentially.
The Cincinnati Bengals are bringing back head coach Marvin Lewis, which makes No. 1 wide receiver A.J. Green’s future seem… well, precarious. Let’s just leave it at that.
Especially when you factor in Lewis’ comments about “starting from scratch.”
Exactly how deep that goes is unclear. Are the Bengals considering a complete blowup of the roster? Or are they making a series of calculated moves, while holding onto some of their best talent, including Green?
It’s doubtful the Bengals just part ways with Green — a move that would cost them $6 million in dead money in 2018. So that would mean trades, and likely a lucrative one.
Would San Francisco be willing to move a high draft pick (or more)? Probably not. But if any ongoing rifts force Cincinnati’s hand, possibly resulting in a cut — again, not likely — the 49ers would have enough cash to lure in a player who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his seven seasons.
This is little more than a pipe dream. But it’s worth keeping an eye on the Bengals’ situation this offseason regardless.