Salary cap resource OverTheCap.com recently published a list of 100 NFL players who might become cap casualties, with their teams potentially parting ways with them to free up salary space. The feature had the following six San Francisco 49ers players listed:
- DT Maliek Collins
- DE Leonard Floyd
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos
- WR Jauan Jennings
- FB Kyle Juszczyk
- WR Deebo Samuel
(H/t to Peter Panacy of Niner Noise for the find)
Jauan Jennings: A surprising name on the list
The inclusion of Jauan Jennings is particularly surprising. The fan-favorite wideout had a breakout 2024 season, stepping up in place of the injured Brandon Aiyuk. If not for an early exit in Week 18, Jennings might have achieved his first 1,000-yard season.
Pro Football Focus recently named Jennings the 49ers' most improved player and labeled him a "secret superstar."
The 49ers signed Jennings to a contract extension in May 2024, keeping him under team control through the 2025 season. Of all the players listed by OverTheCap.com, Jennings is the only one with any guaranteed money in 2025—$1.17 million.
Deebo Samuel's Outlook
Another wide receiver on the list, Deebo Samuel, appears safe—at least for now. General manager John Lynch recently confirmed that the team plans to keep Samuel for the 2025 season, as the star receiver remains under contract.
"A good player and has done a ton for this organization," Lynch said. "We're not in the business of letting good players out of here."
Samuel is set to count nearly $16 million against the salary cap in 2025, but the 49ers seemingly feel his value to the team makes him indispensable.
Kyle Juszczyk: A tough call?
Kyle Juszczyk's name often surfaces in salary cap discussions. As the NFL's highest-paid fullback, some view Juszczyk's role as a luxury for a team that may soon face financial constraints. With quarterback Brock Purdy's looming contract extension, the 49ers may find it harder to justify paying top dollar for Juszczyk.
The veteran fullback is also under contract through 2025, but the 49ers hold an option to opt out of the final year.
"There hasn't been any discussion yet, but I am aware of the kind of situation that we have," Juszczyk admitted recently. "There's a lot up in the air and who's going to be here, who's not, some contracts that need to be figured out. So, I'm aware of that. I just hope it doesn't affect me."
Defensive line decisions
Defensive ends Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos were key offseason acquisitions last year. The 49ers brought them in to bolster the pass rush opposite Nick Bosa. However, their impact fell short of expectations. The 49ers' defense earned a 68.1 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking just 18th in the NFL, and Gross-Matos missed time due to injury.
The 49ers also acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins in a trade last March. Collins is set to count $4.76 million against the salary cap in 2025 but is coming off his lowest-graded season, per Pro Football Focus, raising questions about his future with the team.