Salary cap management hasn’t been a problem for the 49ers, even as they’ve struggled to regroup following their rapid decline in 2014. Their cap figure remains strong with $35.3 million in available space heading into training camp according to the NFLPA salary cap report. Only the Colts and Texans have more.
This seems like an oversight by San Francisco’s front office since they could’ve allocated some of that money for free agents this offseason. Unfortunately the cap isn’t that simple, and leaving more than $35 million in cap room gives the 49ers a ton of flexibility this year and beyond.
That number will come down some once first-round pick Nick Bosa and second-round pick Deebo Samuel sign their rookie deals.
Having that additional space also allows some roster maneuverability during the year, but more importantly gives them the ability to pay players with contract extensions coming up. DeForest Buckner is the biggest priority and he’ll surely get top-of-market money. George Kittle also has a big payday coming his way in the next couple offseasons.
Not emptying their entire inventory of cash assets this offseason gives the 49ers a ton of room to move next offseason when they’ll conceivably be gearing up to make a deep playoff run. That space may not help them win in 2019, but it’s a pretty significant team-building chip long term.
