San Francisco 49ers 2021 free-agency outlook

Injuries and other health issues plagued the San Francisco 49ers more than arguably any other team this season, resulting in the defending NFC champions missing the playoffs. While several of the players who missed significant time in 2020 will return healthy — namely defensive end Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle — the team must also consider its future under center.

Jimmy Garoppolo has become a hot-button issue in San Francisco. While he made every start for the 49ers on their way to Super Bowl LIV, he missed 26 games over the past three seasons. Furthermore, his inconsistent play has dialed up the pressure on the organization to consider other options. Whether head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch pursue those alternatives will define their offseason.

Several veteran quarterbacks have either formally entered the trade market or have requested to do so. Matthew Stafford was available before the Detroit Lions got a deal done with the Los Angeles Rams. If the Houston Texans grant Deshaun Watson’s trade demand, he could set up the 49ers to dominate the NFC West for the foreseeable future.

Lost revenue due to COVID-19 will impact every team. However, with so many free agents, the league-wide drop in salary-cap space could make things difficult. The 2020 number came in around $198 million with the 2021 number potentially falling to $176 to $180 million, according to Over The Cap, but is subject to change.

Options for franchise/transition tags

The 49ers could lose two of their starting defensive backs this offseason, cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett. Sherman turns 33 in March and stated that he doesn’t believe the team will retain him, making him an unlikely tag candidate. However, Verrett’s combination of high-end play in 2020 and long history of injuries could compel the team to franchise him rather than negotiate a long-term deal. Doing so would compensate Verrett for a bounceback season while not committing the franchise to a player who poses significant health risks.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers risk losing starting left tackle Trent Williams to free agency. The team traded a 2020 fifth-round selection along with a 2021 third-round pick in order to acquire Williams last offseason, a steep price for only one year of service. However, in the trade to acquire Williams, the 49ers agreed not to use their franchise tag on him.

Salary cap

Estimated 2021 cap space (Feb. 2): $9,540,669

2021 transactions

Free-agent signings

TBD

Free-agent departures

TBD

Trades

TBD

Notable unrestricted free agents

* Denotes Restricted Free Agent (RFA)