San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Ford deal: Restructuring pass rusher’s contract saves 49ers $9.5 million in cap space.
The 49ers trimmed their roster Saturday in preparation for their 2020 season opener.
But the biggest news to come out of cutdown day was a move they most likely made with 2021 in mind.
The 49ers created $9.5 million in 2020 salary cap space by converting part of Pro Bowl pass rusher Dee Ford’s base salary into a signing bonus, ESPN reported. The restructuring of Ford’s contract gives the 49ers about $18 million in cap space this season — and the majority may not be used soon.
The reason: The 49ers can roll over any unused cap space this season into 2021, when the salary cap, which is currently at $198.2 million, could fall to as low as $175 million.
General manager John Lynch noted before training camp the falling 2021 cap presents issues for the 49ers, who have a host of highprofile players in the final year of their contract.
That group is headlined by three Pro Bowlers in left tackle Trent Williams, cornerback Richard Sherman and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. It also includes strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, slot cornerback K’Waun Williams, nose tackle D.J. Jones and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
The 49ers’ current 2021 salary commitments have them around the potential $175 million limit.
“For us, the biggest challenge was we were set up with a really good roster, but we had set it up such that we really felt it was sustainable,” Lynch said. “I think it’s still sustainable. We’re going to have to get creative, though. We have to figure some things out.”
Ford, 29, was scheduled to earn a $13.65 million base salary this season. The 49ers will likely spread out his converted $9.5 million over the next three seasons. The move makes it more likely Ford, who has been plagued by injuries since he joined the 49ers last year, will remain on the team in 2021 because of the dead cap hit the 49ers would incur by releasing him would be prohibitive.
The 49ers could also use some of their additional 2020 cap space to add to their roster. The biggest name on the freeagent market is Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, 27, who reportedly was expected to sign with the Titans on Saturday. However, Clowney, who was also being pursued aggressively by the Saints, subsequently told NFL reporter Josina Anderson that he hadn’t decided because interested teams were still calling. Asked on KNBR this week about the 49ers
having interest in Clowney, Lynch said, “We’re out of cash.”
As far as their current roster, the 49ers released or waived 24 players Saturday. They also placed pass rusher Ronald Blair, center Weston Richburg and defensive tackle Jullian Taylor on the physically unable to perform list with knee injuries, meaning they will miss at least the first six games. As expected, the 49ers activated wide receiver Deebo Samuel (foot) from the nonfootball injury list. The 49ers haven’t ruled out Samuel being able to play in the season opener against Arizona on Sept. 13.
The only mild roster surprise was the fact linebacker Demetrius FlanniganFowles, a 2019 undrafted free agent, made the initial cut after spending most of last year on the practice squad. Meanwhile, two impressive undrafted rookies, running back JaMycal Hasty and defensive lineman Darrion Daniels, were waived. They will be signed to the 16man practice squad Sunday if they clear waivers.
The 49ers have 52 players on their roster, one fewer than they are permitted. Linebacker Fred Warner remains on the reserve/COVID19 list and does not count against the roster limit while he is sidelined.