49ers Free Agents: What Will It Take to Keep Key 49ers?

The San Francisco 49ers are faced with some tough decisions as NFL free agency looms.

San Francisco is pressed up against the salary cap. In 2014, the 49ers had $3,333,160 of unused cap space, which will roll over next season.

It's widely speculated that the NFL salary cap will increase next season between $138 million to $141 million.

But San Francisco's top 51 contracts in 2015 are projected to be at $147,926,194, per Over the Cap. The $3-plus million in cap space from this season will help to a certain extent, but the 49ers will be about $3.5 million over the highest-expected cap projection at the start of the season.

This doesn't leave much wiggle room to re-sign key free agents who will hit the market this offseason.

Many, perhaps all, of these free agents will walk prior to 2015. San Francisco simply doesn't have the financial abilities to sign them. But if the team elected to do such, what would it take? How would each player work into the 49ers' plans?

One general approach that would work is for San Francisco to restructure some contracts and/or release expensive commodities who cost it substantially.

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#49ers can save $18.426M against the cap by moving on from Ahmad Brooks, Vernon Davis, Craig Dahl and converting Kap's base to signing bonus

— Dylan DeSimone (@DeSimone_80) December 25, 2014"

Examples of potential cap casualties are tight end Vernon Davis, linebacker Ahmad Brooks and safety Craig Dahl. The trio accounts for $18.6 million against the cap. Releasing these players would free up a substantial amount—aside from dead money—and give the 49ers a bit more flexibility in their offseason plans.

Restructuring deals is also a solution.

Jason D. Hurley of Niners Nation provides a detailed description about how restructuring contracts could financially assist the 49ers. He breaks down how this could be done with quarterback Colin Kaepernick:

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Colin Kaepernick has a scheduled $10.4 million base salary, and the 49ers could lower it down to the minimum of $745,000, thus creating a $9.655 million signing bonus. A signing bonus prorates out over five years at $1.931 million a year. This would give the 49ers a maximum savings of $7.724 million, but obviously removes some of the flexibility they currently have if they decide to move on from him at some point in the future.

"

Similar thought could be given to linebackers Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith.

These possibilities are part of a solution. But what will it take for the 49ers to re-sign some of their key free agents?

Let's try to examine that.

Cornerback Chris Culliver

USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Chris Culliver emerged as a solid piece of the secondary after a rough start to 2014.

Cornerback Chris Culliver might not have been a high-profile offseason target prior to his 2014 campaign. The 26-year-old defensive back had a reputation for being a liability in coverage prior to missing all of 2013 with an injury.

Culliver got off to a shaky start this season but finished with 38 tackles, 15 passes defended and four interceptions. He finished 2014 with a plus-10.7 coverage grade, which ranked No. 5 among NFL cornerbacks, per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.

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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"

Re-signing Culliver is contingent on a number of factors. The four-year veteran made $1.431 million in base salary in 2014, and it should be expected that he receives a significant pay raise next season. He probably won't make the $9-plus million given to corners like Aqib Talib or Vontae Davis, but it's reasonable to assume that Culliver would be in the $4 million to $5 million range.

"

#49ers Chris Culliver could be top-tier CB in free agency. "It'd be nice to stay but I don't know what will happen."

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 29, 2014"

Then there are other considerations within San Francisco's secondary.

Fellow corner Perrish Cox is also a free agent. The perennial bubble-watch player came on strong in 2014 and led the team with five interceptions. But Cox could easily sign a team-friendly deal—much like the one dished out to cornerback Tramaine Brock prior to the season.

A potential re-signing of Cox negates some of the pressure on the 49ers to retain Culliver. There are also the developments of young defensive backs like Jimmie Ward, Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker.

San Francisco might explore additional options via the 2015 NFL draft.

But if the 49ers feel that their secondary would be better off with Culliver on the roster and they don't have 100 percent confidence in developing players, re-signing Culliver doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Making it work would likely involve a long-term contract with a high signing bonus, which can be prorated over the length of the contract. The yearly base salary would have to be low. It might be smart considering Culliver's age. He still has plenty of football left in his body.

Linebacker Dan Skuta

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Linebacker Dan Skuta emerged as more than just a special teams player in 2014.

Linebacker Dan Skuta is another player who rose to prominence in 2014.

San Francisco signed him prior to the 2013 season, and it was expected that Skuta would be featured primarily on special teams and as a depth option at the position.

But linebacker Aldon Smith's nine-game suspension opened up the door for Skuta to emerge as a base-down player. He thrived in this role.

Skuta amassed five sacks over the season, which was tied for second on the team. Add this to his contributions on special teams, and Skuta is a versatile, low-cost option at a position already laden with talent.

So will the 49ers attempt to re-sign him?

The 28-year-old veteran understands that this is a business—evidenced by his free-agency statements via 49ers.com.

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#49ers LB @Dskuta51 aspires to be a "Pro Bowl-type guy" that racks up 10-sack seasons: http://t.co/zxwbp2TGcg pic.twitter.com/b6jFMmWcmN

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 6, 2015"

Skuta counted for $1.65 million against the cap in 2014. His standout season all but guarantees he'll receive a decent raise, but in what range?

Like Chris Culliver, the 49ers could explore a low base salary with a high prorated signing bonus over three-plus years. Skuta's deal would probably be in the $3 million-per-year range given his accolades and comparison with other linebackers with similar stats.

But Skuta could see a decrease in playing time next season. The emergence of rookie linebacker Aaron Lynch—combined for a full season from Smith—might mean Skuta is relegated to backup and special teams duties.

Yet Skuta proved his worth in 2014. Do the 49ers want to pass on that next year?

Offensive Guard Mike Iupati

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Mike Iupati could be one of the most sought-after O-linemen on the market this offseason.

Chris Wesseling of NFL.com suspects that offensive guard Mike Iupati could become the highest-paid player at his respective position. He writes:

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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.

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Assuming Wesseling is right, Iupati is in line to make more than the incumbent No. 1 contract—$8.5 million given to Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Logan Mankins.

Can the 49ers afford a yearly salary that ranges close to $9 million?

No.

The 49ers appear to have a plan in place to replace Iupati anyway. Center Daniel Kilgore will return from the leg injury that derailed the second half of his 2014 efforts. This will shift Marcus Martin over into a competition for the No. 1 left guard position. Other considerations are the redshirted rookie Brandon Thomas and possibly O-lineman Joe Looney.

This depth gives San Francisco the flexibility to move on from Iupati. But Iupati doesn't want to change teams this offseason.

"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."

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#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"

OK, so the 49ers aren't likely going to re-sign Iupati in 2015. If they did, it would have to be on a very team-friendly contract in which Iupati cares little for being a high-paid guard.

This likelihood is slim at best.

Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Wideout Michael Crabtree would be difficult to re-sign even if the 49ers wanted him back.

"Re-sign Michael Crabtree? Why would the 49ers want to do that?"

Yes, this is probably the sentiment that most people have when exploring the options around the six-year pro wideout.

Re-signing Crabtree doesn't make that much sense from a statistical or financial perspective. For starters, Crabtree is no longer the No. 1 option at the position. That slot is reserved for fellow wideout Anquan Boldin, and the 49ers will want to see a younger player step into that position at some point soon.

On top of that, Crabtree isn't exactly the top threat that San Francisco was hoping for when he was drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in 2009. Since then, Crabtree has posted just one 1,000-plus-yard season (2012).

Crabtree's 2014 contract year wasn't particularly inspiring, which will knock down his offseason price tag to a certain extent. But the 27-year-old receiver made $3.5 million in base salary this season, and one will speculate that number to only rise in 2015.

The veteran has already hinted that he won't be returning to San Francisco in 2015.

"I guess they say every good thing will come to an end," Crabtree said, via Taylor Price of 49ers.com. "I guess we’re living that." 

With the 49ers needing speed on the outside, it's likely that this reunion won't be happening.

But this will ultimately depend on the market. There are plenty of teams that could take fliers on Crabtree's services next year. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller suggests the Washington Redskins as a potential candidate.

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Scot McCloughan has a soft-spot for former draft picks. Wouldn't be surprised to see Michael Crabtree end up in Washington if Desean leaves

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 6, 2015"

This possibility all but rules out Crabtree's return. Should the 49ers try and re-sign him, it would have to be contingent upon the majority of suitors not wanting to sign Crabtree as a free agent. On top of that, San Francisco would have to work in another team-friendly deal that would fit into its constraints under the cap.

The likelihood of this is almost zero.

Running Back Frank Gore

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The 49ers' front office has already expressed an interest to bring Gore back in 2015.

Unlike Michael Crabtree, the 49ers have already made statements that they wish to retain the services of 31-year-old running back Frank Gore.

Gore has already expressed his desire to continue playing in the NFL despite his age. And the 49ers are intent on bringing him back.

“[Gore] understands what he means to this organization,” general manager Baalke said, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area (h/t Conor Orr of NFL.com). “He would certainly like to be back, and we would certainly like to have him back. Now, whether we can make that a reality or not, time will tell.”

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.@49ers GM hopes to have Frank Gore back in 2015: http://t.co/J7ky2VMlNK pic.twitter.com/onq2dQuS3y

— NFL (@nfl) December 27, 2014"

San Francisco's No. 1 back crested 1,000 rushing yards for the eighth time in his storied career. He is still contributing at a high level despite thoughts that the franchise would eventually turn the reins over to No. 2 back Carlos Hyde at some point.

The problem, of course, is the contract. Gore doesn't mind the competition for a starting job next year, but will he be willing to accept a deal that could be substantially lower than the $6.45 million cap hit in 2014?

The 49ers will likely give Gore nothing more than a one-year contract considering his age and the need to develop Hyde into a featured back. Such a deal could be an incentive-laden, zero-signing bonus contract that would give San Francisco some options when approaching training camp and beyond.

This contract would be structured almost as a pay-as-you-go type of deal. Yet the problem is in determining a base salary. Would the franchise's all-time rushing leader be willing to accept a deal in the range of $1 million-plus?

"In a perfect world, Gore would get the kind of deal that reflects his longevity," noted Orr. "But that will depend on what Baalke sees a few years down the road."

It's a tough, tough choice. But if one thing is for certain, 49ers fans do not want to see Gore wearing anything but a red and gold uniform in 2015.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Spotrac.com unless noted otherwise.

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.