Niner Noise
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5 49ers players who could find themselves cut in 2020

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs out on the field during warm ups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs out on the field during warm ups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 30: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 30: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Marquise Goodwin

Up until this point, each player mentioned on the “cut danger” list has been either due to underperformance or contractual/fiscal reasons.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

In the case of veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, it’s potentially both.

Goodwin has reverted back to being a gadget weapon for Kyle Shanahan this season, yet his production has waned in recent weeks. During San Francisco’s Week 10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Goodwin saw just 10 snaps despite the team being shorthanded at the position.

In the days before the game, Matt Maiocco suggested Goodwin could have a tough time finding his way onto the active roster, barring injury, for the rest of 2019.

And with just 11 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown this season, along with a chance the 49ers try to re-sign fellow veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders in 2020, means Goodwin could be another odd man out, too.

As far as the contract numbers go, Goodwin is signed through 2021. With $2.95 million guaranteed for this year, there was no way Goodwin would be a cut casualty in 2019. But there’s zero in guarantees the next two seasons, and letting go of the veteran next year would save the Niners could save $3.875 million with just $1.25 million in dead money.

Plus, if San Francisco feels Goodwin’s roster spot would better be used developing one of the team’s younger pass catchers, or someone else at another spot, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the speedster’s tenure with the 49ers come to a close in 2020.

Next. 49ers' 5 worst performances from Week 10 loss vs. Seahawks. dark

Again, there are so many factors yet to be determined between now and when these decisions are to be made. But those choices are pending, and these five could find themselves under the watch list.