Lynch reveals 49ers payroll error that led to NFL punishment

ORLANDO, Fla. — The 49ers made a payroll mistake three years ago that ended up being a lot more costly than the $75,000 that landed in the account of one lucky player. On Monday, general manager John Lynch revealed some details of the clerical error that resulted in the NFL's punishment of the 49ers that included the forfeiture of a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The NFL announced last week penalties against the 49ers for misreporting the club's cumulative player compensation. In addition to losing their fifth-round pick next year, the league moved the 49ers' fourth-round selection at No. 131 overall to the final pick of the round at No. 135. Instead of holding picks late in the fourth round at Nos. 131 and 133, the 49ers now own picks 132 and 135 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Lynch prefaced his remarks Monday to note his respect for the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Larry Ferazani, who leads the NFL Management Council. But Lynch clearly believes the punishment did not match the level of the infraction. The 49ers self-reported the issue to the NFL after failing to get the money back, Lynch said. "We have a difference of opinion on the severity of the discipline," Lynch...