49ers’ Salary Cap Breakdown Reveals Spending Trends and Priorities for 2023
The San Francisco 49ers may have limited salary cap space for the 2023 season, but they are making strategic choices with their spending that could set them up for success in the future. With around $10 million in salary cap space for 2023, the 49ers have the flexibility to make in-season maneuvers as the season approaches. However, their current cap situation is also influenced by their plans for the 2024 season, where they already have significant liabilities totaling $271.5 million and will likely have to make adjustments to fit under the cap.
To understand how the 49ers are allocating their spending, let’s take a closer look at each position group. The defensive line receives the largest portion of the budget, accounting for a whopping 27.7 percent of the total spending. This comes as no surprise, considering the 49ers’ emphasis on their defensive front. Other notable allocations include running back/fullback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back.
At quarterback, the 49ers have four players on the roster with a cumulative cap hit of approximately $16.3 million. This includes rookie Trey Lance, whose $9.3 million cap hit is the highest among the quarterbacks. The relatively small financial footprint at the quarterback position allows the 49ers to allocate more resources to other areas of the team.
The 49ers have the fifth highest spending on running backs/fullbacks, with a cap hit of $15.3 million. The restructuring of Christian McCaffrey’s contract played a role in reducing their cap hit, but the 49ers still invest heavily in this position group. Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme values the running game, and having star players in the backfield can contribute to the team’s offensive success.
For wide receivers, the 49ers currently spend $22 million, ranking them 24th in the league. The backloaded contract of Deebo Samuel allows the team to keep spending in check for the time being, but that will change in the future due to substantial cap hits for both Samuel and potentially Brandon Aiyuk. However, the 49ers have found ways to spread the ball around the offense efficiently, maximizing the contributions of running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Speaking of tight ends, the 49ers allocate the most cap space to this position group, with a total of $23.6 million. George Kittle’s $18 million cap hit is the highest for any tight end in the league. The 49ers have invested heavily in this position and are looking for a breakout player to complement Kittle and take some pressure off him.
On the offensive line, the 49ers spend $43.9 million, ranking them 17th in the NFL. Left tackle Trent Williams, with a cap hit of $27.2 million, accounts for a significant portion of the team’s spending in this area. They have also utilized cost-effective options at other positions along the offensive line, banking on the development of young, homegrown players.
Perhaps the most significant spending comes on the defensive line, where the 49ers are at the top of the league with a cap hit of $66.4 million. The addition of Javon Hargrave and the expected new contract for Nick Bosa will further increase their long-term liabilities in this area. The 49ers believe in investing heavily in impact players on the defensive line and are willing to pay a premium for their services.
At linebacker, the 49ers spend $23.3 million, ranking them 19th in the league. Despite having one of the best linebacker duos in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, the team has managed to control spending at this position by restructuring contracts and relying on cost-effective rookie options.
In the secondary, the 49ers allocate $23.1 million, ranking them 31st in the NFL. While the league as a whole is investing heavily in defensive backs, the 49ers have taken a different approach. Their spending in the secondary has remained relatively unchanged, but it now ranks near the bottom of the league. This could indicate a strategy focused on finding value and cost-effective options in the defensive backfield.
Overall, the 49ers have made strategic decisions in their spending allocations, balancing their budget while addressing key areas of the team. By focusing on their defensive line and utilizing cost-effective options at other positions, the 49ers have positioned themselves to remain competitive despite the challenges of a tight salary cap. As the 2023 season approaches, it will be interesting to see how the 49ers continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NFL salary cap.