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3 hours ago
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NFL salary caps are the strictest of any major professional sport, and the San Francisco 49ers could have some budget trimming to accomplish this winter.
Though the 49ers have over $46 million in projected 2025 cap space (via Spotrac), they are currently slated to pay quarterback Brock Purdy only $5 million in the final year of his rookie deal. If Purdy gets extended, all that cap space could evaporate immediately.
Because they finished the 2024 season at a disappointing 6-11, the 49ers will have to make some roster improvements to get back to the playoffs. But money spent means money has to be shed elsewhere, and a decorated veteran could be on his way out as a result.
On Tuesday, Rohan Chakravarthi of SB Nation discussed the possibility of the 49ers cutting fullback Kyle Juszczyk, a nine-time Pro Bowler, in order to avoid paying the $6.5 million salary he's due in 2025.
"The 49ers could save nearly $3 million in cap savings if they move off Juszczyk’s contract this offseason, which could be valuable as they retool their roster this offseason and move in a younger direction," Chakravarthi wrote.
"A possible restructure like last offseason could be in the cards as well, but it feels unlikely that Juszczyk will enter the 2025 season with his $6.5 million cap hit."
Though $6.5 million may not sound like much, it's far and away the most lucrative contract of any fullback in the league. Juszczyk is a more versatile player than anyone else at the position, but he only played 50% of the 49ers' offensive snaps this season.
Ultimately, there may be more money the 49ers can save elsewhere, and a restructure for Juszczyk might make more sense. He's a valuable member of the offense, and he knows the system like the back of his hand.
But would it be a shock to see Juszczyk playing for another team in 2025? At this point, one can't say that with confidence.
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