When you hear that the San Francisco 49ers can free up over $43 million in cap space with a few simple restructures, it sounds like the front office is gearing up for a big offseason. But in the grand scheme of the NFL, that number doesn’t stretch quite as far as you might think.
According to Over the Cap, that $43 million in potential flexibility actually ranks just 29th in the league. So while the number itself looks impressive, the Niners aren’t exactly sitting at the top of the cap space food chain. Still, this is a prime example of how the modern NFL salary cap works-less like a hard ceiling and more like a puzzle that creative front offices can manipulate, especially with the right ownership backing.
Take the Philadelphia Eagles, for example. They've been the poster child for aggressive cap maneuvering-pushing their chips all in, riding the wave to a Super Bowl win, and now dealing with the financial consequences. It worked for them, but it’s not a model every team can or should follow.
Then there are teams like the Detroit Lions, who reportedly have the ability to generate a staggering $128 million in cap space without cutting a single player. That’s the kind of flexibility that opens doors, especially in an offseason where the trade market could explode.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has pointed out that this offseason might see an uptick in trades due to what many around the league view as a weaker free-agent and draft class. In other words, teams might be more inclined to deal for proven talent rather than roll the dice on rookies or mid-tier free agents.
Another factor driving this trend? The annual increase in the salary cap.
If the cap jumps another $25 million, as some expect, any restructures made now might look even more team-friendly a year or two down the line. It’s not just about cap space anymore-it’s about cash flow, timing, and ownership’s willingness to spend real dollars today for flexibility tomorrow.
And when it comes to spending, the 49ers aren’t shy. They’re projected to rank second in active cash spending in 2026, after finishing fourth in 2025 and second in 2024.
This is a franchise that’s consistently near the top in actual dollars spent, not just cap gymnastics. But spending doesn’t always equate to wins.
Coming into this season, San Francisco ranked just 19th in dollars spent per win. That stat doesn’t tell the whole story, but it does highlight the risk of going big in free agency.
Big-ticket signings like Javon Hargrave haven’t always delivered the expected returns. The 49ers are still carrying $16.1 million in dead money from Hargrave’s deal, plus another $4 million from Maliek Collins.
That’s a reminder that even aggressive spending comes with long-term consequences.
Still, the 49ers aren’t a team that’s going to sit on their hands. They’ve been trying to fill the void left by DeForest Buckner since trading him away, and defensive tackle remains a position of need.
They drafted a couple last year, but don’t be surprised if they dip into free agency again to find another interior disruptor. Prices will be high-free agency always is-but history suggests San Francisco won’t hesitate to pay for the right fit, even if it means overpaying.
So how do they make the math work?
The most straightforward path to cap relief starts with the stars. Restructuring Nick Bosa and Trent Williams could free up around $33 million combined.
That’s low-hanging fruit. Both players are cornerstone pieces, and as long as they’re healthy and producing, the team can afford to push money into future years without much worry.
Beyond that, the options are slimmer. Brock Purdy’s deal could be restructured to save $5.7 million, though the 49ers may be cautious with how they handle their young quarterback’s contract. Jake Brendel and Bryce Huff are the only other players whose restructures would net more than a million in cap space.
So if you see news of a Bosa or Williams restructure-or even an extension-it’s not just bookkeeping. It’s a signal that the 49ers are preparing to make a move, potentially to land a key starter in a thin market. And with the team still in its Super Bowl window, every dollar counts.
Bottom line: The 49ers may not have the most cap space in the league, but they’ve got enough tools-and the financial backing-to be aggressive. And if the past few offseasons are any indication, they won’t hesitate to spend when the right opportunity comes along.