Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap reports that the San Francisco 49ers have restructured the contract of injured defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, setting the stage for a potential parting of ways in 2025.
"Per a league source, the 49ers recently restructured the contract of Javon Hargrave for 2025 and 2026 in what looks to be a set up to allow for a post June 1 release next year," Fitzgerald wrote.
The restructuring significantly lowered Hargrave's base salary for 2025 from $19.9 million to $2.1 million, reducing his salary cap hit from $28.105 million to $10.305 million. This move provides the 49ers with financial flexibility should they decide to release Hargrave next season.
If the 49ers opt to make Hargrave a post-June 1 release in 2025, his cap hit would be just $10.3 million, less than half of what it would have been before the restructure.
"[Hargrave] does have guarantees in the contract if the team does not opt to release him," Fitzgerald noted. "The $2.1 million base salary ensures that Hargraves, who is currently injured, will qualify for the maximum injury protection benefit allowed by the CBA if he is still injured after the season."
Hargrave has been on injured reserve since September 28, sidelined by a triceps injury.
Fitzgerald also highlighted that the 49ers have positioned themselves for similar flexibility with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, whose contract was restructured in March, allowing for a possible post-June 1 release next year.
OverTheCap.com has the restructuring details, which are broken down below.
2025
Base salary: $2,100,000
Prorated signing bonus: $6,175,000
Prorated option bonus: $1,200,000
Total per-game roster bonus: $750,000
Workout bonus: $100,000
Guaranteed salary: $0
Salary cap number: $10,305,000
2026
Base salary: $21,650,000
Prorated signing bonus: $6,175,000
Prorated option bonus: $1,200,000
Total per-game roster bonus: $750,000
Workout bonus: $100,000
Guaranteed salary: $0
Salary cap number: $29,855,000
2027
Base salary: Void
Prorated signing bonus: $6,175,000
Prorated option bonus: $1,200,000
Salary cap number: $10,090,000
2028
Base salary: Void
Prorated signing bonus: $1,535,000
Prorated option bonus: $1,200,000
Salary cap number: $0