3 players 49ers could cut to save cap space in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers EDGE Dee Ford
2020 is going to be a crucial year for the relationship between the Niners and veteran EDGE Dee Ford.
Ford was a massive get by San Francisco last year, as the team surrendered a second-round NFL Draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs before extending Ford on a five-year, $85 million contract shortly after picking him up.
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And there’s a strong, strong chance he doesn’t play out the duration of that deal.
Ford’s health is a key factor, particularly after missing five regular-season games last season and being mostly limited to pass-rushing situations only for his first season with the 49ers. Elite pass-rushers are worth the money, yes. But it didn’t take long for some to question whether or not Ford was worth an annual average of $17 million.
Getting out from underneath Ford’s contract in 2021 wouldn’t be overly difficult, and it would be somewhat justified if he has yet another OK season this year.
For starters, Ford is scheduled to count for $17.6 million against the cap in 2021. $4.8 million of that would be dead money, if cut, but the would-be cap savings is $12.8 million.
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This would essentially put more pressure on pass-rushers Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, or potentially another up-and-coming outside defensive lineman in future campaigns. But just like the offensive line moves, if that’s what it would take to keep George Kittle around, parting ways with Ford might be the best way to make it happen.