5 pending free agents SF 49ers must re-sign in 2021

While NFL free agency is a ways away, the SF 49ers have to be thinking about some long-term plans that should include re-signing these five players.

Yes, 2020 has proven to be a crucial year for the SF 49ers after falling just short in Super Bowl LIV last February.

But one could argue 2021 is going to be significantly more important.

After six weeks of regular-season action, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad finds itself 3-3, and the prospects for returning to the Super Bowl continue to grow dim, especially in light of the massive wave of injuries the team has suffered thus far.

Injuries will play a role in how the Niners attack this offseason. Case in point, veteran cornerback Richard Sherman has missed all but one game with a calf injury, and his inability to stay healthy this season could mean San Francisco allows him to walk in NFL free agency when his current contract expires in 2020.

Meanwhile, perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, whom the SF 49ers can’t franchise in 2021, will likely command a hefty contract of his own when he becomes a free agent.

There’s an awfully long list of other pending free agents the Niners have to consider, too.

Making things more difficult is the fact San Francisco already has $168,362,176 committed in player liabilities for 2021. With reports the salary cap could decrease from nearly $200 million this season to as low as $175 million next year, it doesn’t take a lot to determine Shanahan and general manager John Lynch are getting into some tricky territory.

True, the SF 49ers have been masters at negotiating contracts, and there are moves they could make to free up space.

But re-signing some players will be a priority, too, and this list of five should be atop Lynch and Shanahan’s radar.

Note: All cap figures courtesy of Over the Cap, unless otherwise indicated.