The San Francisco 49ers have made some strategic moves to clear cap space by restructuring the contracts of two key players. Tight end George Kittle and offensive tackle Trent Williams have had their contracts adjusted as part of the team’s efforts to finalize an extension for defensive end Nick Bosa.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, the 49ers converted $10.6 million of Kittle’s base salary and $18.2 million of Williams’ base salary into signing bonuses. These adjustments have allowed the team to create $23.2 million in cap space, a significant boost for their financial flexibility.
As part of the contract restructures, Kittle’s contract now includes a void year in 2026, while Williams will have a void year in 2027. These adjustments help to alleviate some of the immediate salary cap burden while also spreading out the financial impact over a longer period.
However, the 49ers had to wait for the NFL to lift its top-51 rule in order to proceed with the contract restructures. Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, only the top 51 salaries on a roster count towards the team’s salary cap, from the beginning of the league year until the Wednesday before Week 1.
By reworking the contracts of Kittle and Williams, the 49ers have showcased their commitment to managing salary cap constraints while also ensuring they have the necessary resources to build a competitive roster. These moves provide the team with additional financial flexibility as they navigate the challenges of the offseason and work towards their goals for the upcoming season.
Overall, the contract restructures of George Kittle and Trent Williams demonstrate the 49ers’ proactive approach to managing their salary cap situation. These adjustments not only clear significant cap space but also allow the team to secure an extension for defensive end Nick Bosa. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the 49ers utilize their newfound flexibility to further strengthen their roster and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
