Examining the fit: LB Oren Burks

By Scooter_McG 

The 49ers have agreed to terms on a 2 year deal worth a reported $5M with free agent LB Oren Burks. Burks, a former third round pick in the 2018 draft, spent the past four years with the Green Bay Packers and was primarily a backup LB and special teams player. 

Burks played in 59 regular season games over the past four seasons, but played only 480 defensive snaps with 7 starts, accumulating 92 total tackles over that span. The 2021 season saw Burks log his most defensive snaps in a season with 205, or 19% of the Packers total defensive snaps. However, Burks has been a mainstay of the Packers special teams units, playing 1,175 STs snaps over the past four years. 

While Burks never settled into a starting role with the Packers, he has the desired athletic traits that have appealed to the 49ers in recent years at the LB position. At the 2018 combine Burks measured in at 6'3" and 233lbs, and put on a show in the athletic testing. He ran a 4.59s 40 time with a 39.5" vertical, 131" broad, sub 7.0s 3-cone and 4.15s short shuttle. 

Like many of the LBs the 49ers have targeted in recent years, Burks split time between safety and LB in college, showing his athleticism in coverage. 

While at first glance it would seem this move is about strengthening the special teams unit, I suspect there is a decent chance Burks will be in the mix for one of the top 3 LB positions for the 49ers in 2022. His profiles as a similar player to Al-Shaair and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles who can fly to the football while also providing special teams value. 

The move may also signal the 49ers are expecting to be moving on from one of either Al-Shaair or Greenlaw this offseason. There has been rumours the team has fielded offers for Greenlaw, while the 49ers have not tendered restricted free agent Al-Shaair.  

Examining the fit: CB Charvarius Ward

By Scooter_McG

The NFL's legal tampering period ahead of the start of the new league year has commenced, and with it the 49ers have seen their two prize free agents find new homes - Laken Tomlinson has reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Jets on a deal worth over $40M over three years while DJ Jones has signed with the Denver Broncos on a 3 year $30M deal. 

The team has some ready made replacements for those two roster spots already on the books with 2020 1st round pick Javon Kinlaw and 2021 2nd round pick Aaron Banks. Kinlaw was already seeing starter snaps next to Jones before his knee injury in 2021, and will now likely slide over with Armstead staying at DT in 2022. Banks on the other hand was largely unseen last season but the expectation will no doubt be that he can take one of the two starting OG spots in 2022 (noting RG Brunskill also remains unsigned at this point in time). 

While the team sustained some losses on the first day of the legal tampering period, they also made their first foray into the 2022 free agent market with the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward. Rumours from the combine were that the 49ers were expected to be very active in the CB market, and this was borne out as they inquired about the top two CB options in JC Jackson and Carlton Davis (both of whom were signed quickly to deals of $16.5M and $15M per year, respectively). Once those two players were signed the 49ers turned their full attention to Ward, agreeing to terms on a 3 year deal reportedly worth $40.5M, with $26.7M in guarantees. 

The currently reported deal will no doubt include some agent speak and the full $40.5M is unlikely to be realised, but even so at a reported value of around $13.5M per annum shows how serious the 49ers were about upgrading the CB position.

Ward brings a nice physical presence at 6'1" and around 200lbs, and has the speed to carry WRs down the field with a 40 time of 4.44s at his pro day. 

Ward was originally signed by the Cowboys in 2018 as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee, but was traded to the Chiefs before the season started. He was active for 13 games as a rookie (2 starts) but worked his way up the Chiefs depth chart thereafter. In his four year career he has played in 56 regular season games with 43 starts, recording 4 INTs and 29 passes defensed. He has also played in 11 post season games (10 starts), with 0 INTs and 9 PDs. He is still only 25 years old and is an ascending player. 

Based on data from Pro Football Reference, since 2019 Ward has allowed a completion rate of 51.1% against his coverage during the regular season, while QBs have posted a passer rating of just 79.7 when targeting Ward. His 2021 season effectively mirrored his average since 2019, with a completion percent of 51.3% and QB rating allowed of 79.4. Next Gen Stats suggest Ward's completion rate allowed was lower at just 45% in 2021 (second lowest among defensive backs), which according to PFF dropped to 38.3% when in man coverage, while he also allowed the lowest average separation on targets (2 yards). 

In addition to his coverage, another area that no doubt appealed to the 49ers was his missed tackle percentage of just 5%, ranking Ward for the lowest missed tackle percentage among the top 75 outside CBs in tackles since 2019. 

Ward is exclusively an outside CB. However, he has left and right CB flexibility having played both sides during his time with the Chiefs and was often matched against the opponents top WR. He excels playing in man coverage, which should pair nicely with 2021 3rd round pick Ambry Thomas who was a primarily man cover CB for Michigan. With these moves in back to back years it indicates the 49ers may be considering using more man coverage concepts moving forward. 

The signing also gives the 49ers three CBs they should feel comfortable with on the outside, as he joins Moseley and Thomas. Moseley will likely be given first shot to start opposite Ward, but Thomas should be given an opportunity to compete for the job. With K'Waun Williams a free agent there is also potential that Moseley may be moved to the slot when the team is in nickel. 

I have to admit this was more money than I anticipated the 49ers to put into signing a CB, and it is probably more money than many expected Ward to get. But contract aside, the signing of Ward looks to be a good one for the 49ers and should help solidify a position that last year was exposed as being perilously thin and required a large number of snaps from the likes of Josh Norman and Dontae Johnson, and even resorted to using a washed Dre Kirkpatrick. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the team looks to add another veteran CB for depth such as bringing Jason Verrett back on an incentive laden deal.

2022 Edition NFL Draft/Edge Rushers

We're going to be taking a look at the Edge position in a deep class, beginning with players I believe will be available in rounds 2 and beyond. We all understand the premium they put on the position so it will be addressed early and perhaps again later on. I'm focusing on Ford's replacement and first step explosion combined with power. First player up:

Boye Mafe, 6'4" 261 lbs., 32 5/8" arms, 9 7/8" hands, 4.5 speed with a 1.61 10 yard split. 38" vertical, 10'5" broad jump. Made a name for himself in the Senior bowl with 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 3 TFL's. He has an explosive first step with a powerful jab and chop. Plays with good leverage, and he attacks with some strategy. Seems like a smart player, and one that Kocurek/Bosa could turn into a star. Feels like he'll go in the top of the 2nd round, where the 49ers could find themselves if they trade Jimmy G.

Arnold Ebiketie, 6'2" 250 lbs., 34 1/8" arms, 10 1/4" hands, 38 vertical, 128" broad jump. Technically proficient with active hands. Rarely allows OT's into his chest and has more than a few ways to win. He's got some power in his hands which he uses in conjunction with speed. Plays the position like a vet even though it took him until his 5th year to breakout. Given his size I think he'd be best served in a sub-package pass rushing role, similar to the way Aldon Smith was used in his rookie season. His pro day is March 24th and it's then we'll get a 40 yard dash, 10 yard split and 3 cone. Another candidate to be taken at the top of round 2.

Nik Bonitto, 6'3" 248 lbs., 32 1/2" arms, 9 3/8" hands, 4.54 speed, 35.5" vertical, 120" broad jump, 7.07 three cone, 1.59  ten yard split. He's undersized and the scheme he played in allowed him to attack. He'd be another sub-package rusher until he gets a year of NFL strength and conditioning. He's twitchy as hell, and he's a quick processor. I think he could excel in this wide 9 under Kocurek. I anticipate him having the best chance of the three to still be on the board late in round 2. 

Dominique Robinson, 6'5" 253 lbs., 33 1/4" arms, 9 3/4" hands, 4.72 speed, 41" vertical, 121" broad jump, 1.69 ten yard split. Former wr turned pass rusher, therefore lacking experience. Technically he has a lot to learn, but it's all there to exploit. Fluid, sudden, change of direction traits are all there. He looked the part in the Senior bowl. I'd expect him to go in that late 2nd early 3rd round. 

 Joshua Paschal, 6'3" 268 lbs., 32 3/4" arms, 9 5/8" hands, 4.77 speed, 37.5" vertical, 123" broad jump, 1.62 ten yard split. Versatile. Kentucky used him up and down the line. He's got some twitch off the snap for a big man. He had a down year in 2020 but owned 2021. This is a player I could see Lynch designating as a "Gold Star" player, and another late 2nd, early 3rd round prospect. 

 Amare Barno, 6'5" 246 lbs., 34" arms, 9" hands, 4.36 speed, 37" vertical, 131" broad jump, 1.54 ten yard split. Explosive athlete that needs development. The skies the limit but the floor could drop out. Doesn't play with the same intensity of some of the others. Needs to learn to counter at the top of his pass rush in order to clear and soften the edge. I think you could have something in year 3, and I'd expect him to be a late 3rd or early 4th round prospect. 

49ers Free Agency Primer

By Scooter_McG

Free agency is just around the corner with the new league year set to commence on March 16th. At that time the 49ers will need to be under the 2022 salary cap, and will be free to finalise any trades and sign free agents from other teams. The 49ers have already been busy re-signing some of their own free agents in recent days (Nate Sudfeld, Jake Brendel, Kevin Givens, Jauan Jennings, JaMycal Hasty, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Maurice Hurst and Colton McKivitz), while also signing OG Keaton Sutherland. 

Interestingly, their two RFAs (Al-Shaair and Brunskill) are yet to be offered tenders. The team will likely want to keep both players, but maybe not on an RFA tender. I wouldn't be surprised if neither player is tendered but perhaps a longer term deal (2-3 years) is reached for both players. 

In my previous three articles I've broken down the 49ers roster needs on offense and defense, as well as how the 49ers can free up as much as $50M to $60M in cap space. Here I will run through what I think the 49ers plans will be this free agency period.

A Look at the 49ers Free Agents

There are a number of 49ers players that will be entering free agency that the team would no doubt like to keep. The main guys will likely be Laken Tomlinson and DJ Jones, both of whom are high level starters and expected to be hot commodities in free agency that should be signed relatively quickly at a premium. As a result I don't expect either player to be back with the 49ers, however, if a market for either player fails to materialise or is softer than expected, the 49ers would be smart to stay in contact and swoop in. 

There are also a number of other starters or key role players the team will no doubt be interested in bringing back at the right price, including Jaquiski Tartt, K'Waun Williams and Arden Key, as well as Al-Shaair and Brunskill mentioned earlier. Raheem Mostert and Jason Verrett, both of whom missed most of last year with serious injuries, will also likely be players the team keeps in contact with, with an eye for signing them on cheap, incentive laden contracts. Tom Compton may also be a player the team looks to bring back for depth, but I think it is unlikely they would look to bring him back as a potential starter. 

I don't expect the 49ers to make re-signing any of those players a priority, though as outlined above, I could see the team try and sign both Al-Shaair and Brunskill to deals prior to the start of free agency. Rather, I suspect the team will play more of a waiting game to see how the market develops for each player, with an eye to bringing them back on the relative cheap. 

49ers Rumoured Interest

Cornerback

There has already been quite strong rumours that the 49ers will be in the market for a few positions, but none stronger than their rumoured interest in a CB. It's a good year for it too, with a nice blend of top tier guys in their prime (JC Jackson, Carlton Davis), older high profile vets still playing at a high level (Stephon Gilmore, Casey Hayward), as well as a raft of mid-tier guys and other older vets that can still be good in the right situation. 

JC Jackson will be the prize of the free agent CB market and the 49ers are one of the teams said to be interested. But then any team looking at CBs is likely to be linked with Jackson, who is in his prime and arguably the top CB in the NFL today. Gilmore has also been linked to the 49ers and may be a realistic option as he is now on the wrong side of 30 and has battled injuries the past couple of seasons. The 49ers may see Gilmore as being able to provide a leadership presence at the back like Richard Sherman, while giving some of their younger players more time to develop. But even so, Gilmore will still likely command a sizeable contract.   

Rumours out of the combine though were that the 49ers were more likely to be playing in the mid-tier CB market. Given cap constraints as well as the presence of Moseley and promising play of Thomas at the back end of the season, the addition of a mid-tier level CB does appear to make sense. DJ Reed in particular has been strongly linked with a return and would be a nice addition to the defensive backfield with the versatility to play on the boundary or inside as needed.  

Right Tackle

While no names have been attached to the 49ers as far as RTs go, rumours from the combine were that the 49ers don't feel confident McGlinchey will be ready to start the season and want to bring in a starting calibre RT as insurance. The McGlinchey news isn't that big of a surprise given he will be coming back from the same type of injury that ended Weston Richburg's career. 

Unfortunately for the 49ers the free agent OT market doesn't look like it will be a particularly strong one. With supply limited, finding a player on the cheap the team feels confident can start the season if needed may be difficult. I wouldn't be shocked if the 49ers end up just bringing Tom Compton back, and looking to draft for depth. 

Big Slot

Some names the 49ers have been linked with in this space are JuJu Smith-Schuster and Austin Hooper. While Hooper won't be a free agent, the ongoing rumoured interest in him, as well as the team's previous attempts to either sign or draft a player to take this role (including Jalen Hurd and Jordan Reed) suggest there may be some fire behind this smoke. 

And it makes sense. While Deebo Samuel gets some reps from the slot, he is primarily an outside WR (and now part time RB). Their current primary option at slot WR is Jauan Jennings, another big bodied slot WR that played admirably last season but is not a dominant player. Getting someone like Smith-Schuster would provide a nice complement to the entire offense and another playmaker that can dominate the middle of the field. Having such a player will also provide some insurance if one of their stars gets injured. 

Guard

The rumours when it comes to OG are mainly centred around the team wanting to bring back Tomlinson. But unfortunately, as mentioned above, it sounds like Tomlinson is going to have a lot of suitors and it will be difficult for the 49ers to retain him.

The good news for the 49ers is that there are a lot of other good options available at OG in free agency. Some of the other big names on the market include Brandon Scherff, Andrew Norwell and Rodger Saffold. 

With so many options available the 49ers may have a good opportunity to bring in a talented player on a reasonable contract. 

Backup QB

This is a position that is more one people expect than anything the 49ers have specifically been linked to. Tyrod Taylor's name has done the rounds given his link to Anthony Lynn, while Marcus Mariota's name has been floated around but mainly by fans as a guy they would like to see as Lance's backup. 

The recent re-signing of Sudfeld, with $2M guaranteed, may suggest the team is happy to roll with Sudfeld behind Lance. But I don't think $2M should be seen as a deterrent to bringing in another veteran signal caller. In all likelihood the team is greasing Sudfeld's palms now in the hope he is happy to stick on the PS roster during the season.

Bobby Wagner and Chandler Jones

These two players have also been getting linked to the 49ers in recent days. Wagner would be an interesting addition to form a dominant LB duo with Warner, and the rumour is that interest is mutual between the 49ers and Wagner. But in the end money talks. Wagner is coming off a contract that paid him $18M per year on average. While he won't get near that again, he also won't come cheap. Wagner would be a luxury addition rather than a necessary one, and with other needs I just don't see it happening. 

The Chandler Jones rumours appear to be mostly fan fiction at this stage. No credible source has linked Jones to the 49ers. Jones has said he is more interested in going to a winner than the money, but there are plenty of teams that can provide Jones with a chance of winning. And while money may not be his primary motivation, he still won't play on the cheap. 

Scooter's Thoughts on Likely Main Targets

Based on the above I think the 49ers two primary targets in free agency will be a CB and an OG, with backup QB a close third. That's not to say they won't target or sign other positions, but those are the positions I think they will prioritise and in that order. 

At CB, I highly doubt the 49ers sign one of the big name players. My guess is that DJ Reed is pretty much option 1A for the 49ers. They know him, they like him, they didn't want to lose him, and they've now seen him develop into a good player for a rival.  

At OG, a guy I think would make a lot of sense for the 49ers is James Daniels from the Bears, who can also play center. He's an ascending player that is still very young and athletic. He will no doubt generate pretty strong interest in his own right, but can likely be had for less than the top line guys and provides upside.

At QB, I can't go past Tyrod Taylor. He just seems like a perfect mentor for Lance with the capability of winning games if he is needed to start. As much as Mariota would be nice, I don't see a scenario where he isn't signed somewhere to compete for a starter role this year. 

Other positions I think the 49ers may target are Big Slot and RT. In terms of Big Slot, JuJu Smith-Schuster is a guy the team has reportedly tried to sign in the past. The belief is that Shanahan is a fan. I can definitely see the 49ers making a push to sign him. Evan Engram may also be a guy the 49ers keep an eye on. At RT, the options really aren't that great but given McGlinchey's status they may feel the need to bring in an adequate veteran option to start rather than trusting a rookie through the draft.  

One position I haven't mentioned which could be a sneaky lower tier priority for the team is a complementary RB to Mitchell. Someone that can bring the speed element to the offense if Mostert is signed elsewhere. Last offseason the team tried to sign Cordarelle Patterson, and he is a name I think may be worth keeping an eye on for the 49ers this offseason. 

2022 Edition NFL Draft/CB's

We'll take a look at some of the corner's that will be available in the 3rd round where the 49ers have shown to value the position. First player up:

Marcus Jones, 5'8" 174 lbs., 28 7/8" arms, 8 7/8" hands. Having averaged 14.4 yards per punt return and 34.2 yards per kick return, along with 9 career TD's, he's the best returner in the country, and would be our day 1 starter as our punt/kick returner. His size is a concern at the position, however I believe a year of NFL strength and conditioning could mitigate some of the catch point issues he has. Didn't participate at the combine, but he has lots of speed on demand. Hips are some of the best in the class. Smooth as silk. Physical tackler. Played some wideout this year as well. I think he's still on the board in the 3rd round.

Coby Bryant, 6'1" 193 lbs., 30 5/8" arms, 9 3/8" hands. 4.54 speed/17 bench. Experienced 4 year starter with 10 career INT's. Above average ball skills, catch point contester, good instincts and anticipatory skill. Best in zone where he can attack forward. Gave up 18 yards on 2-5 targets vs. Alabama in the semifinal. 

Roger McCreary, 5'11" 190 lbs., 28 7/8" arms, 9" hands. 4.5 speed. Physical press corner. 100+ tackles in his senior year. Doesn't have instinctual zone ability. Not sure he can hold up outside at the NFL level due to physical skill set and think his best fit would be as a slot corner in a man heavy scheme. Finished 1st in forced incompletions(21). Very experienced with 183 targets against some top competition. 

Joshua Williams, 6'3" 195 lbs., 32 7/8" arms, 9 1/2" hands. 4.5 speed, 36" vertical, 124" broad jump. This kid from a physical standpoint has it all and is the reason he can play in any scheme, although his best fit might be cover 3. Only 4 years experience at the position, former wide receiver which helps him identify routes. Clocked at 21.75 mph at the senior bowl. Competition level is a concern but a guy with his size and length that can turn and run with ease is worth a 3rd round gamble. 5 INT's, 22 PBU's and 79 tackles through 28 games.

Breaking Down Prospects 2022 Edition NFL Draft/WR's

 This will be our first installment of the upcoming NFL prospects in this years draft. We will be taking a look at the wide receiver position, which I think they could invest one of their two 3rd rounds picks. We'll try and identify prospects the 49ers may be interested in that should be available in that range. Specifically, a speedy, wr/punt returner with the versatility to play all over the field, or as its often been described, "position-less". Let's take a look at the first guy up:

Christian Watson, 6'4" 208 lbs., WR, NDSU, 32.5" arms, 10 1/8" hands, 4.36 speed, 38.5 vertical, 136 broad jump. If you're looking for size, speed and versatility; look no further. Although he never was a 1000 yard receiver in college, it was the scheme and not the ability. I think he could improve his releases along with using his size and physicality at the catch point. Prior to the combine I thought he could be a 3rd round target and a perfect compliment to what we have at the position, not to mention his familiarity with the chosen one; Trey Lance . No longer. He solidified himself in Indy as a top 50 lock.

Romeo Doubs, 6'2" 201 lbs., WR, NV, 32 1/4" arms, 10" hands, did not participate at the combine. Two sport athlete, track/football. 2000 all purpose yards in his senior season. Long strider and a legitimate deep threat. Outstanding feet/balance with a trademark shimmy release to either side. X receiver with big slot potential. 60% contested catch rate for 2021. He does have some punt return experience, and I expect him to be available in the 3rd round.

Jalen Tolbert, 6'1" 194 lbs., WR,  South Alabama, 32 1/4" arms, 10" hands, 4.49 speed, 36" vertical, 123" broad jump, 7.08 three cone drill. Earned 3 letters in basketball and baseball. 696 yards and 9 TD's as a senior. Ranked 6th in both deep catches and yards with 16 and 646. 44% contested catch rate for 2021. No return experience that I'm aware of. Should be available in round 3.

Tyquan Thornton, 6'2" 181 lbs., WR, Baylor, 33 1/4" arms, 8 1/4" hands, 36" vertical, 130" broad jump. He led the Bears in 2021 with 62 catches for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns. He received a healthy 26.2% of the targets while averaging 15.3 yards per reception. He's got work to do as far as learning routes and sitting down and sinking his hips on his breaks. Smallish hands but it didn't show up on tape. He'd be the piece to take the top off for this offense. Thought he was a 4th rounder until he ran a 4.28.

Suggested by eMJay:

Kevin Austin Jr., 6'2" 200 lbs., WR, Notre Dame, 32 7/8th" arms, 9" hands, 39 vertical, 132" broad jump. 4.43 speed. Excellent athlete who missed 2019 for undisclosed suspension by Kelly. Had two surgeries on his foot that he broke in 2020. Broke out in 2021, especially his final 5 games of the season. 888 total yards receiving on 48 catches, averaging 18 per catch and 7 TD's. Needs route development but can get down the field and highpoint balls. No special teams experience.

Finding Cap Space

By Scooter_McG

Having gone over the offensive and defensive needs for the 49ers in 2022 (see my previous articles), there are a number of good players coming off contract that the 49ers would like to either re-sign or will need to replace. In order to do so, the 49ers will need to find some cap space as they currently sit at a little more than $1M over the 2022 cap according to Over the Cap. 

Below I outline some options on how the 49ers can approach freeing up cap space in order to restock the roster.

A shout out to cubus who linked the following Jason Hurley article previously:

https://49erscap.com/index.php/2022-offseason-plan/

A lot of what Hurley writes here is very similar to my thoughts on what the 49ers should do and it is definitely well worth a read if you haven't already done so. 

Restructuring/ extending deals

First things first, no matter what happens with JG, the 49ers will need to restructure contracts in order to get below the salary cap prior to the start of the new league year. This will also be needed in order to sign any of the teams own free agents prior to the free agency period opening. 

The contracts that are the most talked about, and make the most sense for restructure, are Arik Armstead and Jimmie Ward.

Armstead is set to count for $20M against the 49ers cap in 2022. Of that, just under $15M is in new money to be paid in 2022 through salary and roster/ workout bonuses that can be converted to signing bonus on a restructured deal (noting at least the vet minimum in salary will need to be kept as salary). With four year left on his deal, if they converted around $13.5M to signing bonus then nearly $10M in bonus will be pushed to future years without even adding years to the contract. If they add an extra voidable year, that can be increased to nearly $11M. 

Jimmie Ward is set to count for just under $13M against the cap in 2022, of which $9.5M is salary and roster/ workout bonuses that can be restructured. The 49ers already restructured Ward's deal last year, adding two additional voidable years to deal to the one he had in his original deal, taking the total voidable years on his contract to three. As with Armstead, they can convert the bulk of his salary and roster/ workout bonuses (say approximately $8M) to signing bonus and have his cap hit spread across the four years in his contract (2022 season +3 voidable years) - pushing $6M down the track - or also add another year to save a little extra in 2022 (could save around $6.5M). 

However, rather than a restructure, a better solution may be to work out an extension for Ward, potentially adding 2-3 years to his contract while still generating a similar saving against the cap in 2022. 

With those two players the 49ers should be able to free up between $16M and $17.5M against the 2022 cap, easily enough to get the team cap compliant with wiggle room to tender some of their own RFAs and ERFAs. 

As Jason Hurley points out, another player that could be asked to restructure would be Samson Ebukam. He has $6.5M in salary and roster/ workout bonuses and could make a logical choice as a player the team could restructure to free up some much needed cap space. However, I highly doubt Ebukam will willingly accept a pay cut with incentives as suggested by Hurley - if that is the option the 49ers give him then Ebukam will likely say no and just take the release to go sign elsewhere. But the team could easily convert salary to bonus and add some voidable years to free up another $3M - $4M. 

One player that doesn't get talked about enough as an option for a restructure (or even a potential extension) is Mike McGlinchey. He will be playing on the 5th year option in 2022, at $10.88M - all of which is salary. That is another easy contract the 49ers could convert mostly to bonus and add voidable years (or extend his contract if the two parties can agree to terms) to free up as much as $7M - $8M of cap space in 2022. 

I highly doubt all of those deals will happen or to the extent I have outlined, but it shows that the 49ers have options available to free up cap space. 

Release Dee Ford

This one is a little tricky given Ford's roster bonus of $4.6M recently became fully guaranteed. However, I doubt that changes what the 49ers plans are with Ford - unfortunately it was just a situation where they couldn't afford to release him prior to that bonus becoming guaranteed. 

Flat out releasing Ford will now not provide any cap savings due to that guaranteed roster bonus. In fact, it would just accelerate pro-rated bonus into 2022 and increase the 2022 cap liability. So the 49ers need to get creative. 

The simplest solution would be to designate him a post June-1 cut, meaning his $4.9M in pro-rated bonuses would remain against the 2023, cap. While this would only save the 49ers around $2.4M against the cap in 2022, that's worth more than keeping a player on the books that is never fit to play. 

But an alternative solution may be to negotiate with Ford to have part of his salary and roster bonus converted to signing bonus, to push more of the dead cap hit into 2023 and freeing up more space against the 2022 cap. 

Get Jimmy G off the books

This is the most obvious place for the team to free up cap space, with either trading or releasing Jimmy G freeing up $25M in cap space.  

Ideally a trade would be in place prior to the start of the new league year so the team can have that cap space to play with as soon as free agency starts. Any delays in getting JG off the books will make it harder for the team to pursue some of the top free agents and will likely mean the team has to either be aggressive and maximise cap savings through the restructures I outlined above or look at the bargain bin for filling out the roster. 

With that in mind, there is an argument to be made for the 49ers not being too picky with the compensation they get in return for trading JG. Given the salary cap situation, unless they get aggressive and creative with restructures of existing players, it will likely be more beneficial to the team to just have Jimmy's contract gone than maximising the return they get for him. Which also might make flat out releasing him an option. While releasing him will trigger $7.5M in injury guarantees, it will still free up $18M immediately and the $7.5M is fully offset (and off the 49ers books) once he signs for another team (assuming he signs for more than $7.5M). 

Summary

Through the above avenues the 49ers have the potential to free up as much around $50M - $60M in 2022 cap space, which is more than they will need to restock the roster and make another run at the Super Bowl while protecting their young QB. 

Importantly, the 49ers do have options to free up cap space even before getting Jimmy G off the books, with around $25M - $35M likely able to be freed up if needed through restructures and releasing Ford. Given the team only needs to have cap space to sign draft picks until after the draft, they do have the option of carrying Jimmy G a little longer if they want to try and maximise their return. 

We will no doubt start to see some moves to free up cap space being made by the team over the next week and a half in preparation for free agency.