The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly created more salary-cap space by converting pass rusher Dee Ford's base salary into a signing bonus, according to Field Yates of ESPN. How much cap space does that create? $9.5 million, per Yates.
With roster movement upon us, three teams created notable 2020 cap space by converting a veteran's base salary into a signing bonus, per source:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2020
▪️Buccaneers: $9.5M created via Mike Evans
▪️49ers: $9.5M created via Dee Ford
▪️Steelers: $3.85M created via David DeCastro
David Lombardi of The Athletic reports the move puts the 49ers at about $18 million in salary-cap space for this season, giving the team much more wiggle room as it heads into Week 1.
In reportedly opening $9.5 million in 2020 cap room by paying Dee Ford a big upfront bonus now, the 49ers now have about $18 million in salary-cap space for this season.
It's key to remember that unused cap space will carry over to 2021, when it's expected to be at a premium.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 5, 2020
Ford was scheduled to earn a base salary of $13.65 million this season, according to Over The Cap, and count nearly $16 million against the salary cap.
Over The Cap had the 49ers listed with about $8.5 million in salary-cap space before the move. It has prompted speculation as to why the move was made. Is San Francisco targeting an addition, looking to lock up one of its own players who is on the last year of a deal, or simply looking to create for salary-cap options for an unpredictable 2021 offseason?
Simple: Cap space 49ers don't use in '20 will carry over and be part of their available '21 sum. And in '21, 49ers' liabilities were already crunched up against a potential $175 million cap — without any FAs re-signed.
Not necessarily a pending signing. 49ers need space for '21 https://t.co/BuO6zkRMWd
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 5, 2020
