The NFL just announced the new cap at $255.4 million.
The initial projection for the NFL salary cap for the 2024–25 season was $242.5 million. The new cap, set at $255.4 million, was recently revealed by the NFL. This is because to a record-breaking year in TV revenue as well as teams repaying debts from the league during COVID.
It’s possible that in the coming years, a $30 million annual increase might be anticipated as the league works to even out the cap’s rise.
For the 49ers, what does this mean?
After contract restructuring, 49erscap.com’s cap expert Jason Hurley estimated the Niners would have around $12–14 million to spend on one significant free agency swing. With the unanticipated $13 million increase, which the Niners have the option to increase to over $25 million at this point.
OUT OF COMPASS
The top-tier free agents are beyond the Niners’ means. The risk is if Chris Jones joins with Detroit, who has a ton of cap space, since he is likely to receive at least $28 million annually. Brian Burns, who has a consistently strong edge in Carolina, and Josh Allen, who just had a fantastic year in Jacksonville, are unbeatable. Burns requests $27–30 million each. Danielle Hunter is anticipated to sign a three-year contract for $20 million.
EDGE
Given that the 49ers have missed out on d
Despite his youth, 25-year-old Bryce Huff of the Jets has demonstrated his pass rush ability with 10 sacks and 33 pressures this season. Because Huff struggles to stop the run, he is a dedicated pass rusher, which lowers his asking price. I think that’s a low estimate for his free agent market value—9.2 million per, according to Spotrac.
For Baltimore, Jadeveon Clowney had a fantastic season. He’s looking for the best one-year deal possible at age 31, which is in line with what the Niners would want. With two forced fumbles and 9.5 sacks, Clowney posted his greatest pressure-point total of the season. His market worth is estimated by Spotrac at 7.2M.
LINEBACKER
It’s unclear when Dre Greenlaw will make a comeback. It’s possible that Greenlaw may be back to his previous level of play before the start of the season, according to some physicians, while others predict he won’t be well for six months.
Patrick Mahomes targeted Oren Burks, Greenlaw’s backraft picks, a seasoned advantage makes obvious. However, the Niners attempt to avoid overpaying free agent edges.
Greenard is there to clean up after his teammates; he doesn’t have a vast skill set, just a quick first step. The Niners would benefit from an edge setter who can pick up chance sacks when playing against the run. There would be a bidding war because the Texans would overpay to keep him. One that is worthy of victory.up, for nine completions. Jalen Graham and Dee Winters, rookies, didn’t merit a spot on the field outside of special teams. Thus, linebacker might be available in the draft or through free agency.
Fans seem to favor Azeez Al-Shaair joining the Niners again. Given his prior issues with Al-Shaair, the situation with Shanahan is of concern. Al-Shaair would be worth between $11 and 13 million on the market.
Frankie Luvu of Carolina has led the Panthers in tackles with 125 last season and has 9.5 sacks, which leads the league among linebackers over the last two years. At 27, he is in his peak and has a $11–13 million market value.
For less money, there are some excellent choices for role-playing linebackers in free agency. In the playoffs, Drue Tranquill of Kansas City was a crucial factor, with a total of 15 tackles against Buffalo and Baltimore.Blake Cashman of Houston is a reliable stopper of the pass and the run. eJosey Jwell led Denver with over 100 tackles, three sacks, and three passes defensed.
It’s anticipated that Chicago will franchise tag Jaylon Johnson. L’Jarius Sneed of Kansas City should command a salary range of $16–20 million and be the best corner on the open market.
A physical DB2 who can stop receivers and play the run well is what the Niners need. It’s best discovered near the end of the draft’s first round, and on Day 2, there are a few gems available. In free agency, the skillset profile does not exist.
TINY END
The Niners need a tight end who could fill in at receiver in the event that George Kittle is sidelined the following season. They might be able to sign a free agent, but at $11 million a year, Houston’s Dalton Schultz is the best option and would be too costly for a backup tight end. Some less expensive choices would be Noah Fant and Hunter Henry.
SUBTLE LINE
Given that there are so many excellent players in the draft available for far less money, Shanahan views offensive line as a cap-savings tool and is unlikely to shop in free agency.