San Francisco 49ers: 5 key storylines to watch in 2020 offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Cuts, Trades and Creating More Salary Cap Space
During those previous years, the 49ers had little to worry about regarding salary cap space. Not long ago, they were one of the league’s wealthiest teams, in terms of offseason spending ability.
Now, the Niners are projected to have just under $13 million in available space, according to Over the Cap.
If there’s good news here, Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe is one of the NFL’s best when it comes to negotiating contracts and navigating the salary cap. And he’s already shown his prowess by restructuring contracts for players like linebacker Kwon Alexander and center Weston Richburg.
But it’s not likely he’ll stop there.
A number of other players could see their contracts reworked this offseason, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and left tackle Joe Staley.
That’ll help open up some space for the immediate future. But unlike previous years, the 49ers are going to be faced with some likely cap casualties. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has mostly been a non-factor the last two years, and he’s due $4.9 million in 2020. Cutting him would generate $3.656 million in cap savings with $1.25 million.
Running back Tevin Coleman, meanwhile, is owed $4.9 million but with zero guaranteed next year. Parting ways with him would free up that entire amount.
And as far as trades go, there’s an argument over at Niners Nation the 49ers could consider trading their top pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, defensive end Solomon Thomas, and a draft pick just to clear up roughly $4 million in cap space.
Which routes the Marathe and the Niners take will be something to watch this offseason.