49ers Salary Cap Space, Free Agent Targets

Based on 49ers odds, San Francisco remains a top choice to reach their second Super Bowl in the last three years. 

Kyle Shanahan’s team endured a turbulent 2024 campaign that saw myriad injuries to a team that reached the Super Bowl the year prior. 

While the 49ers have key free agents this year, general manager John Lynch simultaneously has room with which to work. 

San Francisco holds $50.6 million in salary cap space, the 12th-highest figure in the league. 

In terms of effective cap space – room left after signing 51 players and the draft class – it’s $45.6 million. 

49ers Cap Space: Free Agent Position Targets

It’s difficult to evaluate the 49ers’ free agency needs after so many key pieces sustained injuries. 

Offensively, San Francisco should return to 2023 levels with Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk back from injury. 

Defensively is where the 49ers could stand to improve. They ranked 13th in defensive DVOA last year, including 23rd against the run. 

Lynch could elect to improve a front seven that could lose Dre Greenlaw and Javon Hargrave to free agency. 

But secondary could become a priority as well, with Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Rock Ya-Sin and Isaac Yiadom all unrestricted free agents. 

49ers Salary Cap Space: Player Targets

B.J. Hill

There aren’t many top-tier run defenders available if Hargrave leaves the Niners. That said, Hill offers a natural replacement. 

The Bengals defensive tackle posted a 69.2 rush defense grade last year. Amongst 100 players with at least 50% of rush defense snaps played, Hill ranked 35th. 

Hargrave only played 41 rush defense snaps last year, posting a 44.7 grade in the process. In the previous season, Hargrave finished with a 51.4 grade in 226 rush defense snaps. 

Hill bested Hargrave in terms of rush defensive grades across the 2023 season as well, so he could prove a nice addition to Robert Saleh’s defense.