For the first time in what seems like a long time, the San Francisco 49ers are in a situation where they may have to part ways with the proverbial cap casualty.
It already happened this season as the Niners moved Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason, immediately freeing up roughly $12 million in cap space and avoiding the $21 million Buckner will now make on an annual basis.
At least San Francisco got something, a first-round NFL Draft pick, in return for Buckner. But it’s not always that simple gaining some sort of return for an asset.