3 players 49ers likely cut to create cap space in 2020

For the first time in a while, the San Francisco 49ers are going to be pressed into making some hard contractual decisions, which could include these three cuts to create salary cap space in 2020.

It’s been a number of years since the San Francisco 49ers had to worry about pressing up against the league’s salary cap.

But after constructing a team which got within mere minutes of a Super Bowl win, the Niners are no longer enjoying the prospects of being one of those squads boasting a ton of available cap space the following offseason. According to Over the Cap, San Francisco has a projected $13,858,285 in available cap space for 2020. Should general manager John Lynch and Co. roll over the unused amount from last season, which is to be expected, the team would be just shy of $30 million.

Between $8 million and $10 million is typically reserved for rookie NFL Draft classes, so one would be wise to cut the above number down to about $20 million.

So, how do the 49ers make that amount work? A number of key players, including tight end George Kittle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, are due for lucrative contract extensions. There are pending free agents, too, including wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, defensive end Arik Armstead and defensive back Jimmie Ward. It’s likely the Niners would like to bring back all three.

If San Francisco wants to have a chance at doing any of that, re-signing said players or dipping into free agency this offseason, Lynch will have to create some additional cap space.

That’ll ultimately mean some cap casualties, and it’s highly likely the 49ers end up parting ways with these three players this offseason to create some much-needed room.