The San Francisco 49ers are returning with one of the strongest top-to-bottom lineups in the entire NFL, despite the fact that they once again came up short of a title. They should contend for the Super Bowl once more, but they need to make a few significant offseason changes to clear the salary cap and continue to be successful in the long run. The team should think about making the following deal, cutting, and signing.
Trade:WR Brandon Aiyuk.
Considering how crucial Aiyuk has been to the 49ers attack, this would be a difficult decision, but it might be required. or at the very least, a proactive measure to support the team’s long-term positioning With quarterback Brock Purdy certain to sign a large contract extension in the next few years, the 49ers may not have the salary-cap capacity to retain Aiyuk as he approaches the final year of his deal.
Aiyuk’s release from the team can result in a high draft pick being returned and future salary cap flexibility. In a wage cap league, it’s a harsh fact that you can’t keep everyone, and sometimes you have to make difficult choices. Playing behind Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel in San Francisco, he won’t really have the chance to be a No. 1 option in another team’s offense, so he might also be open to the chance.
CUT: LB Greenlaw, Dre
If the notion of shopping Aiyuk is hard to think about; for 49ers fans, this might even be unfeasible. However, considering the salary-cap circumstances of the team, it may once again be necessary. Since the beginning of the 2019 campaign, Greenlaw has been a vital component of the 49ers defense.
However, he tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl, so he will probably miss a big chunk of the upcoming season and might not be fully recovered. Even if Greenlaw’s injury and importance to the team make his release cruel, the 49ers would free up $6.8 million in salary cap room this season by cutting him. For a team that has just $6 million in salary-cap space heading into the offseason, those would be significant savings.
The 49ers don’t have any significant shortcomings or shortfalls, but the right side of their offensive line is one area where they could improve. Hunt, a vital member of Miami’s offensive line in recent years, would be a perfect match as In San Francisco’s offensive scheme, a right guard. He is a formidable run-blocker who would be a significant improvement over Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford.
Before making any significant cutbacks or deals, the 49ers do not have a lot of salary-cap room at their disposal, but as a mid-level free agent, Hunt might be well within their budget.