49ers would be smart to extend these 3 players’ contracts ASAP

The 49ers hope to enjoy a better salary cap situation in 2022, and these three players who are free agents next year should get the extended designation.

As was the case for the San Francisco 49ers entering 2021, NFL free agency might a massive role in determining what course general manager John Lynch and Co. have to take in 2022.

Fortunately, Lynch was able to re-sign the bulk of this year’s free-agent class while also working through all the challenges of extending one of the Niners’ top players, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, ensuring he doesn’t go anywhere anytime soon.

With Warner extended, left tackle Trent Williams re-signed to a long-term deal and the 2022 salary cap expected to jump back up over the $200 million threshold, Lynch should feel pretty confident in the team’s financial situation over the next few years.

Particularly with the likelihood of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s 2022 cap hit being off the books as San Francisco transitions to the rookie, Trey Lance.

But a number of 49ers players are sitting on one-year deals. Some of them will need to be re-signed or extended. And the Niners have to start saving up some cash for EDGE Nick Bosa, who’ll likely be the next player on the roster to receive a record-setting contract.

Bosa isn’t eligible for an extension until 2022, however, so Lynch won’t have to worry just yet about crunching those numbers.

There are, however, some other players who should be extended right away, including these three, and Lynch shouldn’t waste any time doing so.

All cap and contractual information, courtesy of Over the Cap.