49ers notebook: John Lynch explains Dee Ford’s restructure, reiterates faith in Garoppolo
One of the most notable moves the 49ers made over the weekend was their decision to restructure the contract of defensive end Dee Ford. It cleared roughly $9.5 million in cap space, giving the team roughly $19 million in room heading into the new season.
The move could have significant ramifications. San Francisco has a slew of players unsigned beyond the coming season that could be candidates for new contracts, like new left tackle Trent Williams, cornerback Richard, receiver Kendrick Bourne, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and others.
Additionally, converting base salary into signing bonus makes it more likely Ford is on the roster in 2021. That had been in question because Ford didn’t have any guaranteed money for next season until his deal was restructured.
When asked about the decision to rework Ford’s contract on Sunday, general manager John Lynch indicated it didn’t happen with one big move in mind for the future, like a multi-year contract for Williams, as an example.
“I think that move was more of a house-keeping, cap-mechanic type of a move,” Lynch said. “There’s going to be some things coming down the line that balance it out that don’t include going to get a big-time player. Our roster’s pretty much set.”
Lynch said the team is factoring in money that could be given to players that reach performance incentives, and more money has to be allocated to the practice squad which can house 16 players and vested veterans for the first time this season. Looming over it all is the potential of the salary cap shrinking to $175 million for 2021, down some $40 million from the $215 million projections.
Ford became the team’s third big contract to get restructured recently. The team last season re-worked the deals for center Weston Richburg and linebacker Kwon Alexander, converting base salaries to signing bonus that create cap space but also make it more likely those players stick around in 2021 and beyond. The flip side is those players have dealt with extensive injury issues.
Richburg is opening 2020 on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his patellar tendon in his right knee in December. Alexander, who’s now healthy, sustained a regular season-ending pectoral tear last Halloween before returning for the playoffs. He had surgery to repair a biceps injury after the Super Bowl. That all came after Alexander missed time during his first training camp while recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Oct. 2018 with the Buccaneers.
The Ford, Richburg and Alexander contracts are important to bring up as context for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the team’s highest paid player who would seemingly be a candidate to have his deal re-worked to clear up cap space and give him more long-term security. Garoppolo has no guaranteed money left on his contract after the coming season, leaving the 49ers an opportunity to move on if they decide to go another direction at quarterback. That’s notable given the team was willing to publicly kick the tires on Tom Brady this spring.
Lynch was asked about Garoppolo’s standing and if the fact his contract wasn’t re-worked like Ford’s is an indication the team isn’t committed to their quarterback for the long haul.
“No I don’t think so at all,” Lynch said. “Jimmy is our quarterback and we’ve stated that numerous times. Jimmy is as big a part of our plans as he’s ever been. And we’re really excited having Jimmy Garoppolo having as our quarterback going into this year. I wouldn’t read too much into that. These other things are conversions that help the team and our guys are willing to do them. But that’s all it is. “
Lynch was also asked about what he liked from Garoppolo during training camp and why he’s excited about him going into the season starting Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. Lynch mentioned the hurdles created this offseason that saw practice time curtailed because of the coronavirus.
“Jimmy’s come back and I think performed really well in camp. And we’re excited,” said Lynch. “I just think more time in this system that’s a very demanding one, and I think the history of quarterbacks of this system, it shows that, right around now is when they start hitting stride.”
Lynch explains Blair decision
Defensive end Ronald Blair III will begin the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list due to his torn ACL last November. Coach Kyle Shanahan indicated early in training camp he expected Blair to be on the active roster for Week 1, but Lynch said the team had to pump the breaks on their presumptive backup to Nick Bosa and Ford.
“He’s like nine months this week away from ACL surgery,” Lynch said. “And that’s a very demanding position. You’re pushing against 300-pound men and you better be 100 percent. And even when I talked to Ronnie, I told him it was in our medical staff’s judgment that he’s close but he’s not quite ready. And Ronnie agreed with that assessment.”
The 49ers are carrying four defensive ends on their 53-man roster. Bosa and Ford dealt with injuries and missed most of the last two weeks of practice, which could lead to depth issues at the position if they miss time (they’re both expected to play against Arizona). That would leave Kerry Hyder and Arik Armstead as the remaining defensive ends. Armstead has proven to be a more effective pass rusher on the inside, while Hyder was brought in as a depth option.
Lynch indicated the defensive line could have enough versatility to make up for Blair’s absence as he won’t be eligible to play the first six weeks of the season.
“We’d like to leave Solomon (Thomas) inside and never have to move him out. But he always does have that flexibility if we got in a pinch,” he said. “Kentavius (Street) has that, Kevin Givens even showed some of that flexibility to be able to go outside. I think we covet guys who have some versatility in their game.”
▪ Lynch denied a report the 49ers initiated conversations with other teams about trading cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.
“We field calls, we make calls, but that was one we never initiated a talk there,” Lynch said.
Witherspoon is one of five cornerbacks to make the 53-man roster. He’ll likely be a backup behind Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley. K’Waun Williams and Jason Verrett round out the position.
▪ Linebacker Fred Warner remained on the reserve/COVID-19 list as of Sunday. He must pass three straight coronavirus tests before he can return to the facility. The team cannot comment on Warner’s status beyond saying whether or not he remains on the list. His status for Week 1 is unclear.
This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 2:53 PM.
