49ers have a handful of high-priced vets who could be waived
They’re kindly labeled “salary cap casualties.” In most cases, they’re simply overpaid, unreliable, injurystricken veterans.
The 49ers have at least five players who fit that bill.
Ditching veterans to gain cap space and cut payroll is an annual exercise, and it is especially necessary this year for the 49ers. A descending salary cap has them tightening their money belt more than ever under the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch regime.
Let’s look at five highcost veterans who could be deemed expendable or have their contracts revised:
DEFENSIVE END DEE FORD » Could Ford’s back injury be career-threatening? Lynch said Monday he’s uncertain whether Ford will return in 2021, after missing all but last season’s opener.
Ford restructured his deal last year to convert $12.7 million into a bonus, and of his $15.15 million base salary for 2021, $11.6 million is guaranteed, according to CBS Sports’ Joel Corry. The 49ers would absorb a $14.4 million cap hit if he’s cut, but save $6.4 million in space, per OverTheCap.com.
Lynch said the 49ers are working to improve Ford’s health because he is “an impact player. He’s the finisher.”
CENTER WESTON RICHBURG » Knee and shoulder surgeries kept him out all of 2020, including a setback from his patella surgery, according to Shanahan. He arrived in 2018 to unseat Daniel Kilgore, who’s now on the Chiefs.
Richburg carries a $7.8 million salary and $11.9 million cap figure. The 49ers would eat a $7 million cap hit if he’s released with a failed physical.
QUARTERBACK JIMMY GAROPPOLO » His status is still being discussed because, regardless of his potential or past production, the 49ers can save $24 million on their cap and absorb only a $2.8 million hit by parting with him.
Shanahan, however, has repeatedly endorsed Garoppolo as his 2021 starter, going so far as to defend his $24 million salary as the market rate. Lynch acknowledged that the 49ers can restructure Garoppolo’s deal to create cap room.
GUARD LAKEN TOMLINSON » He just won their Bobb McKittrick Award, but so did Kilgore before his 2018 exit. Tomlinson missed only two snaps all season (to tie his shoe) and is extremely durable. He also commands a $4.5 million salary. The 49ers could save nearly $4 million in cap space by releasing him.
LINEBACKER MARK NZEOCHA » His $1.45 million salary is OK for a special-teams ace, but it’s steep for someone who missed all but five games last season (quadriceps injury).