Keep or Cut Decisions for San Francisco 49ers' 2015 Free Agents
Tough choices are looming for the San Francisco 49ers as they enter 2015.
The 49ers have 23 players headed toward free agency this offseason. This number includes active players on the 53-man roster, injured players and players on San Francisco's practice squad.
Many of these players are specific role players who will likely not be back with the 49ers in 2015.
But there are plenty of notable free agents who force San Francisco's hand.
The 49ers are pressed up against the salary cap. Currently, San Francisco's 2014 payroll stands at $132,150,623—just $3,333.160 under the adjusted NFL salary cap of $135,483,783.
The cap is expected to increase to a number between $138.6 and $141.8 million next season, per Adam Schefter of ESPN (h/t Matt Verderame of SB Nation), which gives the 49ers a little more wiggle room in how they will approach their offseason plans.
Additionally, San Francisco might expect to part ways with expensive under-contract players like veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks, per Aaron Malone of Niners Nation.
"And I guess the looming cap casualty would probably be Ahmad Brooks. Lynch was stellar. I wish Lemonier would have done more, though.
— Aaron Malone (@GafflezMalone) December 30, 2014"
Releasing players like Brooks would free up some space. But since they aren't technically free agents, they won't be included on this list.
According to Jason Hurley of Niners Nation, the 49ers will be at $2,195,902 under the 2015 cap when accounting for players under contract next year, dead money and the roughly $6.371 million rollover the team will be allowed to carry over next season.
With this number in mind, which noteworthy free agents will San Francisco retain, and which players will be on their way out? To determine this, we'll factor in the need, cost and other factors necessary in determining where the 49ers will stand.
Kyle Nelson, LS/TE
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Kyle Nelson, LS/TE
2014 Cap Hit: $570,000
Long snapper and tight end Kyle Nelson was brought in to the 49ers at the start of 2014 and wound up replacing 2013 draftee Kevin McDermott.
Nelson had a little more versatility than McDermott, given his secondary role as a tight end, but scantly saw action in that role.
The long-snapping position is one of little accolade. When you do your job perfectly, nobody notices. When you make a mistake, all eyes are on you.
McDermott had one botched snap in the regular season but otherwise had a consistent year as the primary long snapper. At $570,000 against the cap, the 49ers might elect to get a little cheaper by selecting someone in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft or signing an undrafted free agent.
Yet the 49ers also place value on versatility, which Nelson has.
Decision: Keep
Michael Wilhoite, ILB
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Michael Wilhoite, Inside Linebacker
2014 Cap Hit: $570,000
Linebacker Michael Wilhoite is in a situation where the 49ers essentially control his immediate destiny.
Wilhoite is an exclusive-rights free agent (ERFA), which means that San Francisco is the only club that can negotiate with him after the season. The rules state that the 49ers can offer him a non-guaranteed contract at a veteran-minimum salary, and he can either accept the deal or retire from the NFL.
The only question is whether the 49ers want to offer him a new contract.
Wilhoite's value was felt in a big way this season. The backup linebacker filled the role left absent by the injured NaVorro Bowman. Even though Wilhoite is a step down from Bowman, the 28-year-old was able to amass 67 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended.
According to Taylor Price of 49ers.com, Wilhoite was the only linebacker to start all 16 games for San Francisco this season.
"Michael Wilhoite is the only #49ers LB to start all 16 games this year.
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) December 28, 2014"
Normally, it would make every bit of sense to re-sign Wilhoite to this deal given the likely low cost and his role on defense. But the 49ers have a large crop of inside linebackers on the roster next season. These include Bowman, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland.
If tendered, Wilhoite could easily be the No. 4 guy on the depth chart.
Wilhoite has earned the right to be an everyday player in this league. But it would make sense for the 49ers to retain his services given how solid a backup he has become.
And you can't beat the cost.
Decision: Keep
Alfonso Smith, RB
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Alfonso Smith, Running Back
2014 Cap Hit: $645,000
It's a good thing the 49ers added running back Alfonso Smith to the 53-man roster later in the season. An injury to No. 2 running back Carlos Hyde opened up the door for Smith to receive some touches behind veteran back Frank Gore in the final three games of the regular season.
But Smith was a depth option only, and it's hard to envision a scenario in which San Francisco retains the five-year veteran.
For starters, Smith has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry over his career. It's not as if the production mandates a new deal. Smith is merely useful to supply depth.
Additionally, Smith's future with the 49ers will be dictated by what the franchise does with Gore—a much-higher-profiled free agent.
Assuming Gore returns—we'll get there in a bit—the 49ers would have three bona fide NFL backs on their roster in 2015 excluding Smith: Gore, Hyde and Kendall Hunter. Even if Gore doesn't return, San Francisco could look to a stacked class of running backs coming out in this year's draft.
Smith won't be returning.
Decision: Cut
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Phillip Tanner, RB
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Phillip Tanner, Running Back
2014 Cap Hit: $75,882
Four-year veteran running back Phillip Tanner is another example of depth behind Nos. 1 and 2 backs Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde.
Tanner was signed by the 49ers on December 17 when tight end Garrett Celek was placed on season-ending injured reserve, per the team's website. He appeared on the roster for two games but never saw action.
Like running back Alfonso Smith, there won't be any need to retain his services barring something drastic during the offseason.
Decision: Cut
Perrish Cox, CB
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Perrish Cox, Cornerback
2014 Cap Hit: $695,000
Cornerback Perrish Cox could easily be one of the prime offseason targets for the 49ers after posting a career-best and team-leading five interceptions in 2014.
Cox has expressed his desire to stay, having said so via Scott Kegley of 49ers.com:
"It’s kind of out of my hands. I want to stay, but everybody knows how things happen in the NFL. I can’t control my future. I can only do what’s best for me, my family and the team.
It’s more of a family here with the 49ers. I feel like over the years that I’ve been here, my teammates have become more like my brothers. It feels like family around here. The coaching staff and the fans are great. It’s a good environment. I feel like this is my home away from home.
"
The four-year veteran struggled to find a consistent role until this season when injuries opened up the door for him to emerge as a full-time player.
But Cox showcased enough prowess to retain such a job moving forward. In addition to leading the team in interceptions, Cox also posted a leading 18 passes defended in 15 games.
It would make sense for the 49ers to sign Cox to a moderate and inexpensive deal moving forward like the franchise did with cornerback Tramaine Brock last season. He wouldn't cost anywhere near as much as other top-tier cornerbacks, and his versatility on special teams also adds another dimension to his game that makes his assets more valuable.
Decision: Keep
Josh Johnson, QB
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Josh Johnson, Quarterback
2014 Cap Hit: $730,000
Quarterback Josh Johnson never saw the field in 2016 minus some decent moments during the preseason. In fact, the 28-year-old veteran was not even active for any of the 49ers' regular-season games.
As San Francisco's No. 3 quarterback, Johnson was merely an insurance policy in case starting QB Colin Kaepernick went down with an injury and backup Blaine Gabbert didn't inspire confidence from the 49ers' coaching staff.
Johnson won't make much more than the $730,000 granted to him this season, so he would be an inexpensive option to bring back should the 49ers pursue this route. His skill set also emulates a lot of what San Francisco may try to do with Kaepernick moving forward.
But this ultimately depends on how the franchise wants to approach this offseason.
One could speculate San Francisco targeting a protege quarterback via the draft in 2015. A late-round flier would prompt competition for Kaepernick, and it's feasible to assume Johnson would be the odd man out.
Yet the 49ers should consider retaining Johnson's services merely as that added insurance. Some veteran presence alongside Kaepernick and a potential rookie would have its benefits.
Decision: Keep
Chris Cook, CB
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Chris Cook, Cornerback
2014 Cap Hit: $570,000
Cornerback Chris Cook was supposed to reinvent his career after a depressing four-year stretch with the Minnesota Vikings.
The former second-round pick has zero interceptions and just 15 passes defended in his career, and any chances to increase those numbers were sidelined by a season-ending injury following the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Signed to a one-year deal prior to 2014, Cook still won't command a high contract entering next season.
While this makes him an affordable depth option, San Francisco has plenty of other choices who would likely negate any need to extend him.
Cornerbacks Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker are already under contract for next year. The 49ers also have considerations to make about Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver.
And then there is the notion San Francisco could land a cornerback prospect via the draft.
These factors will assuredly leave Cook out of the equation.
Decision: Cut
Desmond Bishop, ILB
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Desmond Bishop, Inside Linebacker
2014 Cap Hit: $67,058
Journeyman linebacker Desmond Bishop was active for just one game in San Francisco during 2014. He made two tackles in Week 16, which rounds out his stat sheet for the season.
The 30-year-old linebacker has the flexibility to play either on the inside or the outside of formations, which does give him some upside. His signing was a nice addition to a linebacker crop that lost standouts like NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Chris Borland and Ahmad Brooks over the course of the year.
But those players, sans Brooks, will return in 2015.
This makes for an easy decision. Bishop won't be back with San Francisco next year.
Decision: Cut
Raymond Ventrone, S
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Raymond Ventrone, Safety
2014 Cap Hit: $335,294
Special teams ace Raymond Ventrone offers little by the way of defensive prowess.
But the 49ers have certainly appreciated his efforts on special teams—an aspect pointed out by Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee when the 49ers re-signed him to a one-year deal back on October 7:
"The 49ers, whose coverage units have been shoddy through five weeks, plan to sign veteran Ray Ventrone, who was brought in last year to solidify the special teams but who did not make the 49ers’ initial squad.
"
"The 49ers’ special teams units have been inconsistent since coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Brad Seely arrived in 2011. They were excellent that year, but slipped the following season, which included a kickoff return for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
The following season, they brought in veterans Kassim Osgood and Ventrone, who tightened up the 49ers’ coverage. Osgood returned this season, but Ventrone and another specialist, C.J. Spillman, were let go to make room for younger players such as rookie L.J. McCray.
"
Yet Ventrone wasn't able to make much of an impact for the 49ers during his 2014 tenure. The 32-year-old veteran appeared in just three games over the course of the year before landing on injured reserve.
Re-signing Ventrone won't cost the 49ers too much, and it's possible they will look to his special teams contributions as a reason to bring him back in 2014.
If they do, it might come at a point following the 2015 NFL draft. Depending on their draft class, the 49ers could replace him with a rookie who offers special teams ability for next year.
But if that doesn't work out, Ventrone could find his way back to San Francisco as a late-addition free agent.
Decision: Cut
Kassim Osgood, WR
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Kassim Osgood, Wide Receiver
2014 Cap Hit: $374,471
Like Raymond Ventrone, wide receiver Kassim Osgood offers little aside from his contributions on special teams.
At 34 years old, one has to wonder how much age will be a factor in determining whether the 49ers will retain him next year.
Osgood appeared in 13 games for the 49ers in 2014 before landing on injured reserve with a broken hand.
Similarly, San Francisco's decision to retain Osgood next year will depend largely on its actions during the draft. Plus there is the aforementioned age factor.
Decision: Cut
Brandon Lloyd, WR
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Brandon Lloyd, Wide Receiver
2014 Cap Hit: $1.005 million
Veteran wideout Brandon Lloyd was signed to a one-year deal prior to the 2014 NFL draft. The move was intended to reinforce San Francisco's depleted receiving corps after a lackluster season from this position the year prior.
Lloyd has his moments this season, which included a memorable 80-yard touchdown reception against the St. Louis Rams in Week 6.
Aside from that, Lloyd had relatively little impact on San Francisco's inept passing game.
The 33-year-old veteran has indicated that he wants to play again in 2014, although returning to the 49ers will depend on the team's eventual coaching decisions, per Mindi Bach of CSN Bay Area.
"Brandon Lloyd will look for another opportunity to play next year. Didn't rule out returning to #49ers but it will depend on the coaching
— Mindi Bach (@MBachCSN) December 29, 2014"
Yes, the 49ers do need a bona fide wide receiver threat. But with Lloyd and possibly wide receiver Michael Crabtree on their way out, San Francisco will likely look to the draft to supplement this need for a long-term solution.
Decision: Cut
Tony Jerod-Eddie, DE
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Tony Jerod-Eddie, Defensive End
2014 Cap Hit: $495,000
The 49ers find themselves thin at defensive end following the release of 30-year-old D-lineman Ray McDonald after his alleged involvement in a sexual assault case late in the season.
Three-year pro Tony Jerod-Eddie wound up starting two games for the 49ers down the stretch—getting the nod over second-year defensive end Tank Carradine, whose inexperience largely kept him out of San Francisco's lineup in 2014.
"Tony Jerod-Eddie starting at LDT in place of the released Ray McDonald Aaron Lynch or Dan Skuta will replace Brooks at LOLB #49ers
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 21, 2014"
The 49ers would obviously like to see Carradine emerge as a No. 1 end at some point soon. But the possible retirement of 35-year-old Justin Smith could force San Francisco's hand in determining the immediate future of this position.
Jerod-Eddie is, like linebacker Michael Wilhoite, an ERFA. The DE would have to accept a non-guaranteed contract at the league minimum if the 49ers offered one.
With plenty of uncertainty at the position, it makes perfect sense for the 49ers to re-sign Jerod-Eddie to such a deal. Since it isn't guaranteed, the team can always part ways with him later on if it supplements this position via the draft or free agency.
Decision: Keep
Garrett Celek, TE
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Garrett Celek, Tight End
2014 Cap Hit: $572,000
2014 was all but a lost year for perennial No. 3 tight end Garrett Celek.
The three-year veteran appeared in just two games for San Francisco and hauled in two passes for 53 yards after a nagging back injury sidelined him until Week 14.
Celek was later placed on injured reserve prior to Week 16.
His role with the 49ers has been little more than a depth option behind tight ends Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald and Delanie Walker. The short-lived emergence of Derek Carrier also casts some doubt on Celek's future with the franchise.
Celek is a restricted free agent, which means his rights are still to a certain extent controlled by the 49ers.
San Francisco would have to make him a qualifying offer, which another team would have to exceed if it were interested. The 49ers could then match that offer, and Celek would return. Since he was an undrafted free agent, San Francisco would receive zero compensation if Celek signed elsewhere.
Celek's future ultimately depends on what the 49ers wish to do at the position. Davis had the worst season of his career statistically since his 2006 rookie year. He is another one of those who could emerge as a cap casualty.
But the offseason market on tight ends is pretty thin, both via free agency and the draft. And McDonald hasn't emerged as a legitimate No. 2 option who could eventually take over a starting role.
Still, the 49ers have some options who stack up above Celek. Aside from Davis and McDonald, Carrier showcased some promise and is widely viewed as a better receiving option than Celek.
Decision: Cut
Chris Culliver, CB
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Chris Culliver, Cornerback
2014 Cap Hit: $1,580,719
The 49ers have two notable defensive backs who are set to become free agents this offseason: Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver.
Based on salaries alone, it would make the most sense to retain Cox based solely on the notion that a new deal would be easier for the 49ers to handle. Cox made $695,000 in 2015 compared to over $1.581 million given to Culliver.
While Cox led the 49ers with five interceptions, Culliver was close behind with four. Two of those came in San Francisco's final two games of the season.
Culliver has had some problems with coverage over his career. Yet the 26-year-old defensive back finished off the season with a plus-10.7 coverage grade over his final 13 games, per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.
"After a shaky first three games, Chris Culliver's +10.7 coverage grade over the final 13 games was fifth best among cornerbacks. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) December 31, 2014"
The four-year pro was one of the primary reasons why San Francisco's secondary ranked No. 5 in the league in fewest passing yards allowed (3,531). But this could also mean Culliver seeks a hefty pay raise on the open market this offseason.
Such an increase might price Culliver out of the 49ers' comfort zone. As stated previously, San Francisco has plenty of project cornerbacks in the making, and it's feasible the team targets another in the draft. The return of Tramaine Brock next season also takes some of the weight off a needed re-signing.
Cox will likely be the defensive back who returns in 2015. Culliver will probably get a pay increase elsewhere.
Decision: Cut
Dan Skuta, OLB
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Dan Skuta, Outside Linebacker
2014 Cap Hit: $1.65 million
Signed as a special teams contributor prior to 2013, linebacker Dan Skuta has emerged as a more prominent piece of the 49ers defense.
He started 13 games in 2014—filling voids left by fellow linebacker Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks. During that stretch, Skuta amassed 25 tackles and was tied for second on the team with five sacks.
These numbers will obviously result in a raise for the 28-year-old veteran, but some of the uncertainty at outside linebacker might prompt the 49ers in accepting a new deal.
Brooks' uncertain future opens up a void that will likely be filled by the emerging Aaron Lynch. Yet Smith's history of off-the-field issues could prompt the 49ers to explore some sort of insurance policy in case the talented pass-rusher encounters yet another legal issue.
"Dan Skuta is another free agent. I'd love to keep him assuming that Ahmad Brooks has played his last snap as a 49er.
— Aaron Malone (@GafflezMalone) December 30, 2014"
Second-year pro Corey Lemonier doesn't appear as if he'll step into this void, so the pressure will likely be on San Francisco to retain Skuta's services for at least a couple more years.
Hopefully he'll come cheap.
Decision: Keep
Blaine Gabbert, QB
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Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback
2014 Cap Hit: $2,011,587
Quarterback Blaine Gabbert led all 49ers passers with a 100.0 quarterback rating in 2014.
OK, so that number isn't to be taken seriously. Gabbert had just three completions on seven attempts during garbage time of the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Broncos. But hey, he did complete a touchdown pass to rookie wideout Bruce Ellington.
"#49ers 4th quarter TD Passes in 2014: Blaine Gabbert: 1 Colin Kaepernick: 0.
— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) December 29, 2014"
The No. 10 overall selection of the 2011 NFL draft never materialized into anything of value with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it doesn't look as if that trend got any better in San Francisco.
Counting for over $2 million against the 2014 cap, Gabbert's contract alone mandates he won't return to San Francisco next season. Of course he won't get that kind of money on a new deal. But it's highly unlikely the 49ers want to go down that road another year.
San Francisco will either draft a project quarterback in 2015 or sign a cheap and reliable backup on the free-agent market.
Decision: Cut
Mike Iupati, OG
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Mike Iupati, Offensive Guard
2014 Cap Hit: $4,625,863
It's time to get into the really tough free-agent decisions the 49ers have to make this offseason.
Leading this cast is offensive guard Mike Iupati.
The five-year veteran is one of the primary reasons why San Francisco has been one of the most dominant rushing teams in recent seasons. The former first-round draft pick has amassed plenty of accolades during his tenure with the 49ers.
With plenty of other NFL teams seeking help along the offensive line, Iupati could wind up becoming a prime free-agent target available on the market.
Chris Wesseling of NFL.com writes:
"Iupati has been one of the league's most decorated interior linemen the past few years, earning two Pro Bowl berths and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2012. The 49ers work with a fairly rigid salary hierarchy that could present a problem for a player who could become the NFL's highest paid at his position.
"
Iupati has indicated that he would like to return.
"We'll see in a couple weeks or a couple months," Iupati said via Andrew Pentis of 49ers.com. "It's going to suck if I do go somewhere [else]. This is my home. I really want to stay here, and I'm sure we'll try to work something out."
"#49ers LG Mike Iupati approaches free agency with hopes of returning: http://t.co/ZwVQBijmAT pic.twitter.com/X7XPb7z6kM
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 30, 2014"
A hefty contract may be the primary reason why Iupati departs. But Iupati's reputation as a run-blocking specialist is offset by his struggles in pass protection.
The 49ers want to place more emphasis on quarterback Colin Kaepernick's development as a pocket passer. Does Iupati fit this mold?
Additionally, the 49ers do have some in-house options for which to replace him. With center Daniel Kilgore set to return to his old position, fellow O-lineman Marcus Martin will likely enter competition with guard Brandon Thomas for the starting job next year.
This means Iupati probably won't return in 2015.
Decision: Cut
Frank Gore, RB
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Frank Gore, Running Back
2014 Cap Hit: $6.45 million
Not re-signing Mike Iupati makes sense. Not re-signing running back Frank Gore doesn't especially when one factors in all the other intangibles that go along with his on-field abilities.
At 31 years old, Gore has long surpassed the mark when most backs call it a career. But Gore is still competing at a high level. His eighth season of 1,000-plus rushing yards marked this.
But, of course, there are plenty of factors that carry weight in making this difficult decision.
Gore has shown that he has plenty left in his body. He has also stressed that he wants to continue playing despite the age. Yet there will be a need at some point to transition over to younger and cheaper backs like No. 2 man Carlos Hyde.
That didn't happen in 2014. Could 2015 be the year?
If Gore does re-sign with San Francisco, it's plausible that he'll have to take a reduced salary that can fit in with the 49ers' offseason plans. He'll also have to enter the open competition with Hyde and perhaps running back Kendall Hunter for an established role in the running game.
There isn't much doubt that Gore will assert himself here.
Gore wants to return to San Francisco next season. He stated such, via the team's website.
"Frank Gore: "I want to be back here." http://t.co/HojW1Olxt9 pic.twitter.com/yQpvsttmxR
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 29, 2014"
Even Hyde wants his mentor back.
Sentiments alone warrant a return. It's impossible to imagine the five-time Pro Bowler wearing any other uniform other than red and gold—aside from a yellow jacket at Canton.
Decision: Keep
Michael Crabtree, WR
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Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver
2014 Cap Hit: $4,770,443
San Francisco's No. 1 wideout no longer holds that accolade after watching fellow receiver Anquan Boldin post back-to-back 1,000-plus receiving-yard seasons with the 49ers.
In fact, Michael Crabtree can boast of just one year in which he bested that mark: 2012.
Crabtree finished 2014 with 68 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns, which indicates enough that he won't factor into the 49ers' future plans.
His six-year, $32 million contract has come to an end, and it's difficult to envision the 49ers making any attempt to re-sign their former first-round pick from 2009.
Crabtree understands this situation and realizes that he could likely be playing somewhere else in 2015.
"I don't even know where I'm going, so I can’t talk about that," Crabtree said, via Taylor Price of 49ers.com. "I know you want me to."
"#49ers WR @KingCrab15: "To the die-hard 49ers fans, I love y'all." http://t.co/v7OKPJWhO6 pic.twitter.com/z1iMg9tbMZ
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 29, 2014"
The 27-year-old wideout lacks the one element so desperately needed on offense: speed. Both Crabtree and Boldin are possession receivers and do not possess the over-the-top burst that can pull coverages back deep on the field.
It's anticipated the 49ers will target such a player via the draft, which means there is little room for Crabtree to be retained.
Add that onto what will likely be a decent contract, and it doesn't make much sense for the six-year veteran to be in San Francisco next year.
Decision: Cut
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Spotrac.com unless otherwise noted.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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