What Can 49ers Do to Clear More Salary-Cap Space for 2015 Offseason?

The San Francisco 49ers are still in search of a replacement for enigmatic head coach Jim Harbaugh. Of course, they had the right guy all along, but let's leave the 49ers front office alone for now.  

Whoever San Francisco brings in to run the franchise, they'll have a ready-made team at their disposal. Can the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders or even the Chicago Bears preach this sentiment? 

Nevertheless, like many other teams in the NFL, the 49ers will need to make adjustments to continue having success in the near future. Yes, this roster is good, but it's not perfect. 

The 49ers should be fine in the NFL draft, especially with general manager Trent Baalke still at the helm. You can call him every name in the book, but the guy deserves credit for his work in the draft since taking over for former GM Scot McCloughan. 

While the draft will be a focus, Baalke must hit a home run in free agency this season. With free agency and the trade market, it all starts with cap space. 

Here are three moves the 49ers could make this offseason to clear up cap space.

Release OLB Ahmad Brooks 

Just a season ago, Ahmad Brooks was considered a core component of the 49ers linebacker group. He just came off of an All-Pro season with Aldon Smith sidelined due to suspension for part of the year. Now? Well, let's just say Brooks will more than likely be moving on from the 49ers after a tumultuous 2014 season. 

According to NFL Insider Jay Glazer, the 49ers were close to moving Brooks to the Cleveland Browns before the trade deadline this past season. Of course, nothing materialized, but it was the first sign that the 49ers could be moving on from Brooks after 2014. 

The final straw occurred when Brooks threw a hissy fit and benched himself after not receiving his usual playing time in the 49ers' Week 11 victory over the New York Giants. To make matters worse for Brooks, rookie outside linebacker Aaron Lynch was playing at a very high level as the season progressed. 

The 49ers will now have to make a tough decision with Brooks. He's slated to count $9.648 million against the cap in 2015. The 49ers would save a little less than $7 million in cap space by releasing Brooks outright this offseason. 

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A trade would be ideal because Brooks still has value for clubs needing a pass-rusher, but smart teams may stay away if they feel San Francisco will ultimately release the veteran linebacker.  

Regardless, Brooks and the 49ers seem headed for an inevitable divorce.  

Restructure/Extend ILB Patrick Willis 

All of the talk about the 49ers trading or releasing Patrick Willis is hogwash. How can you release one of the best inside linebackers in the league? 

Many seem to forget the versatility, leadership and production Willis brings to this 49ers defense. I know folks love Luke Kuechly or the other younger linebackers, but a healthy Willis is the best inside linebacker in the NFL. It isn't even close. 

Willis should retire with the Red and Gold, but it will take an extension or some kind of restructuring for both sides to be happy. For now, I would probably lean toward an extension, but we've heard nothing from the front office thus far on either option. 

Trade TE Vernon Davis

While I've always admired Davis' ability as both a blocker and receiver, the 49ers simply can't afford to keep the veteran tight end at his current production level.

Davis doesn't have elite statistical numbers, but he never needed to within this run-centric offense. However, when San Francisco decided to take a pass-heavy approach this season, Davis was nowhere to be found.

Granted, he was hampered by injuries this season.

Nevertheless, even when healthy, he wasn't a threat to opposing defenses. Maybe a new offensive scheme in San Francisco could revitalize him, but with Davis turning 31 at the end of this month, I wouldn't take the chance if I were in Baalke's shoes. 

Even with all my criticisms, Davis still has value in this league. While the 49ers won't fetch a first or second round pick for the talented tight end, I can see a team giving up a third or fourth round pick for his services. 

Any team that acquires Davis would also need to give him a new contract, which could hinder any future trade discussions. 

If the 49ers release him, they could save nearly $5 million. I highly doubt they decide to release him outright, but a trade could very much be in the works if the compensation is fair.