SF 49ers: Grading John Lynch’s moves at 2020 NFL trade deadline
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers clear cap space by moving Kwon Alexander to Saints
Eight weeks into the season, it was pretty evident linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw were the figure pieces at the position for San Francisco. Not the veteran, Kwon Alexander, who was the SF 49ers’ high-profile free-agent pickup a year ago.
The high-profile signing and subsequent contractual restructure was to count for over $7.6 million in cap space this season, then up to $13.4 million in 2021 and $13.5 million in 2022.
For a player who was arguably the third best linebacker of this group and costing an exorbitant amount of money, the New Orleans Saints possibly did John Lynch and Co. a favor by absorbing that contract.
While there’s still dead money the Niners have to absorb from Alexander’s deal, the financial ramifications for a San Francisco team pressed up against the salary cap is a massive win:
Simple numbers of Kwon Alexander trade:
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) November 2, 2020
49ers will take on $6.9 million of dead money in 2021.
*But they’ll save $8.6 million.*
Looking at only dead money is wholly unproductive. Sunk cost fallacy. If they’re saving in the big picture, they’re saving in the big picture
Also in return, the SF 49ers landed veteran linebacker Kiko Alonso, who’ll be due the remainder of his $4 million contract before becoming a free agent in 2021.
It’s highly unlikely the Niners retain Alonso next year, meaning the team will essentially be free from Alexander’s lofty contractual numbers once the league new year rolls around next spring.
As far as wins go for San Francisco’s front office, this one was huge.