3 ways 49ers can create more cap space in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Trade Wide Receiver Marquise Goodwin
Late in 2019 and for much of 2020, there has been no shortage of speculation the 49ers would part ways with veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin after he spent the better part of the last two seasons dealing both with injuries and personal tragedy.
Yet head coach Kyle Shanahan put an end to that speculation at the NFL Combine, instead suggesting the Niners would rather trade Goodwin than simply let him go.
If that’s the route San Francisco ultimately takes, it’s one which should be done after June 1.
A cut or trade before the above date would free up cap space, yes. $3.656 million, according to Over the Cap, but with $1.25 million in dead money. But the NFL rule allowing teams to make moves after June 1 saves $4.281 million with $625,000 in dead money.
Not a huge difference, but it’s a substantial one.
Plus, there’s the stronger likelihood of getting something back in return. After all, teams have already engaged in offseason workouts by that point, and training camps will start later in summer. Injuries happen, and depth charts shake up.
The 49ers wouldn’t get much of anything in return, but sixth- or seventh-round picks do have value.
Especially if they help clear the books.