5 bold predictions for the 49ers in 2020 NFL free agency

No. 1: 49ers Make a Series of Notable Cuts

So, if the Niners are going to risk spending roughly $17 million on Arik Armstead, plan to sign Taylor Gabriel and bring aboard Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, just how do they intend on freeing up the necessary cap space?

Well, it helps there are a number of players San Francisco can cut.

San Francisco 49ers

Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin still owns adoration from Kyle Shanahan, and the head coach insisted the oft-injured speedster is too good simply to part ways with. While Shanahan suggested a trade could be possible, it’s hard to fathom the 49ers getting much in return at all.

Instead, by cutting Goodwin and giving him a fresh opportunity to start elsewhere, the 49ers clear up $3.656 million in cap space against $1.25 million in dead money.

Running back Jerick McKinnon is another player on the potential-cut list. Doing so would save $4.55 million. But with $4 million in dead money for 2020, one has to think either a restructure or retaining McKinnon during the upcoming season is the route San Francisco chooses, even if the team is gambling on the 27 year old’s ability to return after missing the last two years due to an ACL injury suffered in 2018.

Instead, the 49ers free up money by moving on from fellow running back Tevin Coleman, who is owed $4.869 million this year but with zero in guarantees and dead money.

Similarly, right guard Mike Person commands $2.5 million in 2020, none of it guaranteed and with zero in dead money, too.

Just like that, the Niners would free up more than $11 million, banking on the hopes other running backs, wide receivers and offensive linemen could fill the voids left by Goodwin, Coleman and Person.

NFL free agency officially starts on March 18.