For the third straight season, the 49ers found themselves playing on championship Sunday. While the outcome left a bitter taste in the mouths of the team and fans, the turnaround the franchise has experienced under the Trent Baalke/Jim Harbaugh regime has been nothing short of amazing.
With the season completed, the focus now turns to the future. What does the future hold for the 49ers?
There are a number of questions as the team heads into the offseason. Do Colin Kaepernick and Aldon Smith get contract extensions? Will they look to trim Frank Gore's large salary? Can they find a way to bring back Anquan Boldin? What happens with Jonathan Goodwin? How do they deal with the large cap number of Carlos Rogers? Will Donte Whitner return? How about Phil Dawson?
I have attempted to answer each of those questions below. Each position group has been broken down with how it may be set up going into 2014.
Quarterback: ~ 3,026,457
Colin Kaepernick - $1,630,457
*Veteran Backup - $865,000
*Draft Pick ~ *531,000
Kaepernick enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2014. There has been a lot of speculation that the 49ers will want to extend him now instead of waiting and this makes a lot of sense. Sign him now while he has no exposure to the open market.
The problem with that line of thinking is that it takes two to get the deal done, and why would Kaepernick give the 49ers a discount now when he can further build his value with an outstanding 2014?
My take on the situation is that Kaepernick, who is extremely confident in his ability, will hold onto his cards and push his chips all in a la Joe Flacco.
With Colt McCoy set to be an unrestricted free agent, the 49ers will likely be in the market for a veteran backup. They may choose to bring McCoy back or look outside at free agents such as Josh McCown, Derek Anderson or Kellen Clemens, all of whom have proven to be capable backups and can be had for approximately $865k.
I would also look for the 49ers to draft a rookie somewhere around the 3rd round. Based on the positioning of their 3rd round picks, a quarterback drafted in this area would require a salary in the neighborhood of $531k.
Running Back: ~ 10,874,870
Frank Gore - $6,450,000
Kendall Hunter - $754,805
LaMichael James - $905, 154
Marcus Lattimore - $570,146
Bruce Miller - 1,404,765
Frank Gore will be 31 by the time training camp comes around, and his salary puts him among the top 10 paid running backs in the league. It would be in the best interest of the 49ers to work with Gore to redo his deal to make it more cap friendly as they did last off-season with Justin Smith. By spreading Gore's current cap number over two seasons with limited dead money in 2015, they would be able to keep a pillar of the franchise and give him another chance to win that elusive ring.
If Gore is unwilling to negotiate, it may be time for the organization to move on. There is no dead money tied to his release, so this would save the team $6.45 million against the salary cap.
With Marcus Lattimore coming off a knee injury suffered during his senior season at South Carolina, it would be in the 49ers best interest to have a solid veteran in place. If they decide to part ways with Gore, Toby Gerhart would be a good option. Gerhart's running style fits perfectly with the Harbaugh system and he would probably be available for something in the neighborhood of $1.5 million. Gerhart also has experience playing special teams which would allow him to replace Anthony Dixon on several special teams units.
Potential Savings: ~ $3,000,000
Wide Receiver: ~ $12,845,260
Michael Crabtree - $4,770,000
Quinton Patton - $592,875
*Anquan Boldin - $5,000,000
*Kassim Osgood - $940,000
*Draft Pick ~ $1,541,952
From their 2013 roster, the 49ers have only Michael Crabtree and Quinton Patton under contract. Based on a couple tweets from Anquan Boldin it appears that he would be willing to return, but at what price? The 49ers will likely come up with their number, my guess is about 10 million over 2 years, and it will be up to Boldin to take it or move on.
If Boldin isn't willing to settle for the 49ers offer, there are other options that would fit nicely. Eric Decker, Riley Cooper, Julian Edelman, and Doug Baldwin all could be good investments from free agency at or below the dollar amount set for Boldin.
Osgood was a special teams standout and contributed more to the offense in 2013 than Ted Ginn Jr the season before. Based on his special teams value I would look to bring Osgood back with a contract in line with the one he played under this season.
I would expect to see the 49ers utilize one of their 6 day 1 or 2 draft picks on a receiver. I am slotting them with a wide receiver at #18 after a trade up in the first round.
Tight End: ~ $8,757,911
Vernon Davis - $7,367,916
Vance McDonald - $817,995
Garrett Celek - $572,000
Derek Carrier could push Celek for the third tight end spot, or potentially be a fourth tight end should they decide to carry only 2 quarterbacks as they did over the second half of 2013.
Offensive Line: ~ $18,884,505
Joe Staley - $3,400,000
Mike Iupati - $3,225,863
Daniel Kilgore - $685,075
Alex Boone - $1,540,000
Anthony Davis - $7,532,266
Adam Snyder - $1,300,000
Joe Looney - $676,301
Ryan Seymour/*Draft Pick - $495,000/~$445,700
With veteran center Jonathan Goodwin's contract expiring look for Daniel Kilgore or Joe Looney to take command of the 49ers offensive line. Adam Snyder played well when called on to replace an injured Mike Iupati at left guard.
The only new face to this group for 2014 will likely be either Ryan Seymour or a mid-round draft pick, likely a guard.
Defensive Line: ~ 19,024,370
Justin Smith - $6,936,666
Glenn Dorsey - $3,792,500
Ray McDonald - $5,346,985
Tank Carradine - $1,124,473
Ian Williams - $1,283,333
Tony Jerod-Eddie/Quinton Dial - $495,000/540,413
The top three in this group should remain the same as 2013. Carradine, a second round pick in the 2013 draft, should be healed from the injury that kept him off the field for the entire season and ready to contribute.
Ian Williams won the starting nose tackle job in training camp, however an injury suffered in week 2 in Seattle forced him to be place on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Tony Jerod-Eddie really came on as the season went on and may make Quintion Dial, a 2013 draft pick, the odd-man out in this group depending on how many they decide to keep.
Inside Linebacker: ~ $15,074,918
Navorro Bowman - $7,050,000
Patrick Willis - $6,863,000
*Michael Wilhoite - $640,000
Nick Moody - $540,000
The big question with this group heading into 2014 will be the health of Navorro Bowman; will he be ready for week 1? Look for the 49ers to add someone through free agency or the draft should Bowman not be ready to go when the season starts.
Wihoite proved to be a valuable backup and special teams standout, and would be the most likely candidate to replace Bowman in the starting lineup. As an exclusive rights free agent the 49ers can keep him by offering him a deal at the three year veteran minimum salary.
Moody was a part of the special teams units early in the season before an injury forced him to be placed on the injured reserve with designation to return list. He was not active for any games following his return from the injury but he is still a promising prospect.
Outside Linebacker: ~ $14,367,607
Ahmad Brooks - $7,500,000
Aldon Smith - $4,576,727
Dan Skuta - $1,650,000
Corey Lemonier - $640,880
The 49ers outside linebacker group appears to be set. This unit ranks among the best in the NFL from top to bottom.
The big question here is the contract status of Aldon Smith. Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract and could be due a hefty increase, but his issues off the field and the performance of Dan Skuta in his absence may change how the 49ers approach these negotiations.
Cornerback: ~ $5,703,665
Tramaine Brock - $2,000,000
Chris Culliver - $1,538,719
*Perrish Cox - $555,000
Darryl Morris - $495,000
*Draft ~ $613,533
*Draft ~ $501,413
With Carlos Rogers due to earn $7,344,531 next season, it is unlikely that he is back with the 49ers next season unless he is willing to take a deep cut in pay. It is likely that the 49ers will wait until after June 1st to release Rogers, a move that would save the team roughly $6,600,000 in cap space.
Chris Culliver appears to be well on his way to returning from a knee injury suffered in training camp that wiped out his entire 2013 season. Look for Culliver to ascend into the starting role opposite Tramaine Brock.
Perrish Cox could be a likely candidate to replace Rogers in the 49ers nickle defense. As a restricted free agent, he comes with a low price tag, and his strong performances in the first two rounds of the playoffs create confidence that he can hold up inside.
Look for the 49ers to use one of their three picks in the first two rounds on a corner.
Safety: ~ $6,870,335
Eric Reid - $1,927,444
Craig Dahl - $1,883,333
CJ Spillman - $1,558,334
Bubba Ventrone - $855,000
*Draft ~ $646,224
For the second year in a row it appears likely that the 49ers will lose a Pro Bowl safety. With Donte Whitner's contract expiring, it is hard to see the team being willing to give him the big dollar deal that he likely is seeking. The fact that he will turn 29 prior to the season will also likely play into their decision.
Look for Whitner's replacement to come on day 1 or 2 of the draft.
Specialists: ~ $5,296,666
Andy Lee - $2,400,000
*Phil Dawson ~ $2,400,000
Kevin McDermott - $496,666
Total: ~ $120,127,859 (Salaries) + $3,401,595 (Dead Money) = $124,127,859
Projected Salary Cap - $126,300,000
With these moves the team will be left with just over $2.1 million which would allow them to fill in needs on the roster throughout the season should the need arise.
What do you think of this roster? What would you change? One thing is certain, the future of the 49ers franchise is bright.
**All salary information is courtesy of overthecap.com and spotrac.com
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Frank
Jack, great rundown. Mirrors what Bill Williamson from ESPN said WRT the window being wide-open. If healthy, Marquardt should be the swing OT. Also see Looney taking over at C & Lattimore at RB. Gore hopefully downsizes his contract, if not Gerhart makes sense. Carradine should be a significant contributor on the DL. With Dorsey, Williams and Jerod-Edie, really no room for Dial. Wilhoite & Moody could supplant Bowman. Re-sign: Dawson & Boldin. My key draft choices: Benjamin-WR, Fuller-CB, Reynolds-S, Mettenberger/McCarron-QB.
Jan 24, 2014 at 9:25 AM
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Ben
For the Offensive Tackle positions, beside starters Staley and A.Davis, there's very little depth. They might use Snyder in emergency, since he's versatile. Ultimately, I'd like to see them get some depth there (via draft or FA). Maybe Luke Marquardt, the reserve who stands at 6'8" can eventually become that depth at tackle... The most glaring needs are still CB and WR positions.
Jan 23, 2014 at 2:16 PM
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Marty
Back in July of 2013, Tarell Brown missed $2 million in workout bonus, because his ex-agent screwed up. I wonder what his value is in free agency. Still, probably beyong what the Niners are willing to pay.
Jan 23, 2014 at 10:53 AM
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Ladale
Really don't see Baalke losing Iupati, the prize of the 9ers offensive line. I believe they would sacrifice a skill position at running back, receiver, or tight end before touching the offensive or defensive line. As for receiver, this is the same team that went into the season knowing Crabtree was hurt and all they had proven was the 30 Boldin. A move that caused them home field. So I don't envision a high price free agent that would acquire an extended contract. They would trade up in the draft to address a long term receiver and give some veteran a one year deal. I believe the starting corners are sure to be Chris Culliver and Brock, and I think Wright gets it over Cox once familiar with the schemes. That said, it may not be as difficult to retain their free agents when teams are reluctant to invest in 30 vets like Rodgers, Whitner, and even Boldin. When it comes to Kaepernick, they will pay him a seemingly high figure but it will be restructured and extended time and again to sign other players when needed.
Jan 22, 2014 at 10:03 PM
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Tamara Jokinen
What about Manningham?
Great player, but he seems to be made of glass.
Trade him and that should free up some money.
Jan 22, 2014 at 4:24 PM
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Patrick
I like it but what about the contract of Iupati? and I think Aldon will get a new contract and if Kaepernick want a good team in the future he should think about his contract... look at Baltimore and Boldin
Jan 22, 2014 at 1:54 PM
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Derek
What about Anthony Dixon?
He did contribute on Special Teams, and he scored the only rushing TD in the NFC Title game. Do you think there is any future for him with this team?
LMJ to the slot is interesting
Jan 22, 2014 at 1:54 PM
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Rick
They should try to re-sign boldin, dawson, whitner and brown it that order. Ask brooks, V. Davis, and Mcdonald restructure contracts, ask gore for a paycut if not cut him (and hope someone learns to pick up blitzes), cut carlos, dahl. Draft receiver, corner, safety, center in the first three rounds. Add free agent WR (a speedster) kap can throw the ball deep two times a game. A rb if we lose Gore, a cb if we lose brown and a safety if we lose whitner. Of coarse all for less money. We can break the bank on any FA or any our current FA players when we have kap, crab, aldon, itupu, set to become free agents next year.
Jan 22, 2014 at 1:44 PM
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Brandon
I would release Dahl and fill his spot with a Draftee, let Spillman and a rookie battle it out for the open Safety spot
Jan 22, 2014 at 11:20 AM
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Enrique
Very good analysis !!!. These assessments are well supported. I Like them.
Jan 22, 2014 at 10:35 AM
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Derek Anhorn
This is the first time that someone other than me thinks Gerhart might be a good option to go for.
Jan 22, 2014 at 9:40 AM
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zepp9er
Well put together piece - thanks. I did find it interesting that you omitted any mention of Eric Wright being in the mix at CB. Do you not feel there's room for him? Don't think he's talented enough to make the team? He obviously is a home town guy who does not hold back his love of the organization. I think he'd be someone who sticks around. Not crazy about the idea of having Dahl play opposite of Reid. Need Whitner back. If not I worry a lack of any veteran presence would see the secondary take a step back. Do you not see the team look at FA more than just at RB? I have a sense of foreboding if we only bring back this team in it's entirety or have a few drop off and not replace them with some key FA's. Hopefully I'm wrong and we make up the differences with skilled, hungry draft picks that perform at a high level. I think it's a risky roll of the dice to hope they all turn out like Eric Reid...
Jan 22, 2014 at 9:21 AM
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Bob
You didn't mention T. Brown, so you must be assuming he's gone. Probably true. I'd like to see the 9ers try LMJ as a slot receiver. Any thoughts? I can't see Bolden taking a pay cut. OTH - Kap is an intelligent young man, he might realize that taking a substantial raise, but leaving the club enough money to field a complete team is in his best interests. Would he rather be Brady than Flacco? Cox as nickle doesn't fill my heart with joy. It will be interesting to see if anyone offers Hitner big bucks, I'm thinking no, and he'll be back.
Jan 22, 2014 at 9:09 AM
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49erjoe
As much as I hate to say it, the 49ers should release Gore and use that money against the cap towards a signing bonus of Crabtree, Aldon, or Kaepernick. You have to make tough decisions and smart decisions for your team to stay good for a long period of time. I would also prefer to go with the younger Steve Decker over Boldin.
Jan 22, 2014 at 8:59 AM
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CFC
You think the Niners can get Decker for less then Boldin?
Jan 22, 2014 at 8:52 AM
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Mark
Your assessment makes sense! What about T. Brown and Eric Wright at CB--you made no prediction about their status!
Jan 22, 2014 at 8:40 AM
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