A new year means new San Francisco 49ers squad after a season where they finished 6-10. Despite the poor record, the hopes of the 49ers are high as they finished the season on a five-game winning streak with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It's time to start trimming away some of the fat to make sure this 49ers team is in perfect shape entering 2018.
Thanks to the NFL's rules on rolling over unused cap space, the 49ers have the most cap space in the NFL with $119.9 million. The 49ers believe they have a chance at winning the NFC West. Don't be surprised to see the 49ers spend a ton of money in 2018 and cut players who were signed before the arrival of general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Here are three 49er players who may get cut this offseason.
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1.) Jimmie Ward, FS
The 49ers defense this season struggled in the secondary and much of the blame rests on the shoulders of Ward. He is the second highest player on the team, scheduled to make $8.5 million in 2018. He is in his fifth-year option season with the 49ers, but the team may elect to cut him due to their depth of younger players and Ward's injury history. Cutting Ward wouldn't cost the 49er's any dead cap space, so don't be surprised if Lynch pulls the trigger.
2.) OL Zane Beadles, G
Beadles is scheduled to make $4.1 million entering the 2018 season. He can play multiple offensive line positions, but paying a backup that kind of money is not justifiable. The Niners have been rumored to draft a lineman to protect Garoppolo. With Beadle's in his final year of his contract, the Niners may elect to cut him since it would only be a $583,334 dead cap hit.
3.) Earl Mitchell, DT
Thomas is set to make $3.9 million in 2018, which makes him one of the highest paid players on the current roster. He is a nose tackle who is better in the run game compared to the passing game. In February, Mitchell signed a four year, $16 million contract which is expensive considering his performance. If the 49ers want to cut him, it would be a $2.25 million dead cap hit.
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