49ers roster: Predicting extensions for Fred Warner, Nick Bosa
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers are already thinking about extending Fred Warner, and they’ll soon have to consider Nick Bosa, too. Let’s make some predictions, shall we?
The San Francisco 49ers‘ move up to the No. 3 overall spot in the 2021 NFL Draft occurred for a number of reasons, but the financials of the deal paint a large picture behind why general manager John Lynch and Co. are wanting to make the switch from veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the rookie, Trey Lance.
Garoppolo is scheduled to make $26.4 million in the next to last year of his current contract. And while the Niners have indicated they’re comfortable, both financially and on the field, with Jimmy G starting in 2021 as Lance develops, the eventual goal will be to make the transition to Lance.
Subsequently moving on from Garoppolo’s hefty contract, which is going to be worth up to $27 million in 2022.
Should San Francisco cut bait next offseason, it’d free up $25.6 million in cap space while the team employs Lance on his relatively cheap rookie contract over the course of four years, five, if the 49ers elect to use a fifth-year option.
It would be wise for the Niners to start saving their money, too, especially with two key players heading towards lucrative extensions: EDGE Nick Bosa and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
Currently, San Francisco is projected to have $23.73 million in cap space for 2022 against a projected $208.2 million salary cap, which doesn’t accurately factor in a yet-to-be-determined carryover from this season. So, while the 49ers are anticipating paying Garoppolo in full this season, putting away as much money as possible for Bosa and Warner would be a wise move.
But what will their respective extensions look like when signed? Let’s start with Warner first, as he’s immediately due for a significant pay raise.
All cap figures and contracts are courtesy of Over the Cap unless otherwise indicated.