Despite Brandon Aiyuk’s Contract Conundrum, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers ‘Forced’ to Sit on $25M Cap Space

The contract talks aren’t over yet for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the team’s desire to get a deal done, especially for Brandon Aiyuk, it seems they still aren’t close to coming to a favorable term for each party.

Most recently, Kyle Shanahan’s squad released defensive tackle Arik Armstead, which was after June 1. This created $18 million in salary cap space for 2024. Because of the previous restructures, this move leaves San Francisco with $25.9 million in dead money, which is spread over 2024 and 2025. Therefore, in total, Armstead’s departure has left the 49ers with about $25 million cap space for 2024. The team can use this money for contract extensions. But they are reportedly not planning to do so.

Why are the 49ers not using their $25 million cap space?

About a couple of hours ago, David Lombardi brought a few reasons about the 49ers ‘strategy’ into the limelight, explaining why they are not using their cap space. On his YouTube channel, Lombardi expressed that on June 2nd, the 49ers freed up $17.8 million in salary cap space previously tied to Arik Armstead.

This happened because the DT was designated for a post-June 1st release, allowing the team to split his dead cap hit between this season and the next. Now, the 49ers have about $25 million in 2024. However, as per Lombardi, this doesn’t mean they can suddenly afford a major new signing. They could have afforded the same moves before June 2nd.

So, the reporter highlighted that instead, this space is likely to be saved for future expenses, such as new contracts for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and potentially Brock Purdy next year. The team has considered adding a veteran safety, hosting players like Julian Blackmon and Ryan Jenkins, but they didn’t sign them.

With new draft pick Malik Mustapha and improved confidence in Talanoa Hufanga’s ACL recovery, Kyle Shanahan’s team might feel less urgency to add a veteran safety. However, the option remains open if they decide they need additional depth in that position, as there are still some rumors of their hunt for it.

Therefore, in short, the 49ers are sitting out their $25 million cap space for managing their future financial commitments. This also means they might not be interested in letting go of their key players like Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, especially when a team like the Steelers is anticipating them.

The 49ers’ pride isn’t going anywhere?

Last month when the 49ers general manager, John Lynch, was asked about his plans for Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, he stated his thoughts clearly. In the Pat McAfee Show, Lynch expressed, “I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together. That’s my goal, and I don’t question that.”

He added, “When you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo (Samuel), those are guys that we drafted, and we take a lot of pride in what they’ve become and who they’ve become. We couldn’t be more proud of those guys. And so, during the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely, they do. (But) we’re past that now.” So, this means we can expect Aiyuk’s contract extension anytime soon.

As Lynch’s comments clear, he and his team would want to keep their current roster. And why shouldn’t they? Afterall, this team helped lead San Francisco to reach the Super Bowl finals in a season expected to go against them.