SF 49ers aren’t in total ‘salary cap hell’ for 2021

The SF 49ers will have some tough roster decisions in 2021 because of a decreasing salary cap, but they’re not in the NFL’s worst situation.

Perhaps the SF 49ers should be thankful they’re not facing the toughest array of challenges heading into the 2021 offseason.

Yes, general manager John Lynch and Co. face a crucial start to the league’s new year. The Niners currently have 40 players scheduled to hit some form of free agency, and it’ll be nearly impossible for them to bring back to bulk of those names. Linebacker Fred Warner is also due for what could be a record-setting contract extension for a player at his position, only making the offseason challenges more substantial.

Adding to the headaches San Francisco will face is the likelihood the 2021 salary cap could drop as low as $176 million in the wake of the global pandemic and lost revenue.

With over $150 million already committed to on-roster players next season, and approximately $8 million to $10 million needed to sign the 2021 NFL Draft class, it’s understandable why some view the SF 49ers’ situation next year as precarious.

Still, it’s not the league’s worst. Not even close.

SF 49ers have ‘middle of the pack’ cap space for 2021

The decreasing salary cap affects plenty of teams, and the Niners aren’t going to be an exception. But when looking at other top-contending teams’ situations heading towards 2021, one can almost feel thankful San Francisco doesn’t have it that bad.

Take a look at the 10 worst teams in terms of 2021 projected cap space for next year:

1. New Orleans Saints (-$95,050,739)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (-$71,504,761)
3. Atlanta Falcons (-$24,394,641)
4. Green Bay Packers (-$21,041,244)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (-$21,009,219)
6. LA Rams (-$20,928,472)
7. Kansas City Chiefs (-$20,928,472)
8. Houston Texans (-$10,142,231)
9. Minnesota Vikings (-$8,387,671)
10. Las Vegas Raiders (-$7,622,096)

All those teams are in the red, meaning the above numbers reflect being over the cap for 2021. The Buffalo Bills are the first team in the black at No. 12 overall from the bottom with $2,787,152 available.

The SF 49ers, with a projected $22,205,308 in cap space, rank 19th in terms of least cap space, 14th in terms of most available.

Teams like the Saints, Eagles, Steelers, Vikings and Falcons face the biggest conundrums, particularly with highly paid quarterbacks on their roster who may not fit into any sort of long-term plans. Those could lead to some notable cap casualties, although the Niners could be in a similar situation with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who, if cut or traded, would generate $24.1 million in much-needed cap space to help retain the bulk of the roster elsewhere.

But San Francisco is still in a position where it doesn’t have to necessarily move on from Garoppolo.

Many of the other teams in the red can’t say the same about some of their top-paid players, leading to what’s likely going to be a provocative offseason.

All cap figures courtesy of Over the Cap.