Cut, Keep or Restructure: Making Call on 49ers' Worst Contracts

The San Francisco 49ers have finally found their replacement for head coach Jim Harbaugh. Fortunately for general manager Trent Baalke and owner Jed York, they didn't have to look far after naming defensive line coach Jim Tomsula the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Of course, this piece isn't about the newly minted 49ers head coach. No, we'll hear the reaction of this hiring for the next week or so. 

Rather, let's turn our attention to some of the 49ers' heavyweight contracts. With the head honcho found, the front office will turn its attention to filling out the offensive staff, but it'll have its hands full shaping this roster for the upcoming season and beyond. 

Let's go in depth with some of the major roster decisions on the horizon. 

*All salary data courtesy Spotrac.com.

Ahmad Brooks—OLB

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We'll start this piece off with an easy selection in Ahmad Brooks.

Look, I love what Brooks has brought to this 49ers defensive pass rush over the last few years. Even prior to the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, I was singing the tune of Brooks as one of the more underrated pass-rushers in the league. 

Under the guidance of Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Brooks became a complete player. He's always been a great edge-rusher, but Brooks developed into a rock-solid run-stopper and coverage linebacker. The former University of Virginia product was finally recognized for his efforts after being voted an All-Pro in 2013. 

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. 

Brooks comes into 2015 with a huge $9,648.750 cap hit. General manager Trent Baalke will most certainly explore trading the veteran linebacker before outright releasing him, but potential suitors may just wait it out. 

The 49ers will save a little over $4 million if they release Brooks before June 1. 

Additionally, the 49ers have quality depth at the position, so it shouldn't sting as much when Brooks inevitably departs. Look for promising second-year linebacker Aaron Lynch to take over as the clear-cut starter opposite Aldon Smith. 

Final Verdict: Cut

Anquan Boldin—WR

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With Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd set to hit free agency, the 49ers will need the services of a veteran receiver like Boldin. Of course, Boldin will still have a rather high cap figure for 2015 ($6,909,000), so the 49ers may ask him to take a pay cut.

Boldin is a fan favorite and should definitely stay in Santa Clara for what should be his final few years in the league. No. 81 is no danger of being released; however, it's hard to imagine Baalke not having a discussion with Boldin about taking a minor pay cut to help the team. 

Despite his age (34) and production this past season, the 49ers could still grant him an extension to lower the cap hit. The front office could possibly give Boldin a three-year extension with only two of the first three years being guaranteed.

Whatever happens, Boldin should be in the red and gold next season. 

Final Verdict: Keep

Craig Dahl—S

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This should come as an easy decision for the 49ers' front office. 

While Craig Dahl has shown to be a solid special teams player, the mere thought of him receiving any major playtime on defense should send shivers down your spine.

Simply put, Craig Dahl is a safety who can't cover. 

The 49ers can find a special teams contributor for far cheaper than Dahl's nearly $2 million cap hit in 2015. Look for this transaction to occur early in the offseason.  

Final Verdict: Cut

Stevie Johnson—WR

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Stevie Johnson's cap hit jumps up to a little over $6 million in 2015, which should force Baalke to either cut or restructure Johnson's contract.

Johnson didn't receive a ton of playing time last season, but with the potential departure of Crabtree this offseason, we could see a lot of the veteran receiver opposite Anquan Boldin. Not to mention, when healthy, Johnson can be a significant contributor for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. 

He isn't a burner, but Johnson's unorthodox route running and shiftiness in space make him a dangerous threat, especially in the red zone. If Johnson can stay healthy and the 49ers can also find a deep threat to open the middle of the field, we could see a dangerous receiver group in 2015. 

Before all of that, Baalke will have to restructure Johnson's deal or ask him to take a pay cut. Johnson would still demand interest on the open market, so it's hard to see him agreeing to a pay cut. 

Expect both sides to find a middle ground. 

Final Verdict: Restructure 

Vernon Davis—TE

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If you asked me this question a week ago, I would have a different answer. Despite his age, high cap figure ($7,017,000) and subpar production this past season, the 49ers should still find a way to keep Davis for the 2015 season. 

It's easy to just get rid of a guy who looks to be declining, but the 49ers have few options when it comes to replacing their Pro Bowl tight end. 

The draft is relatively weak at the position, and free agency doesn't seem any better. To make matters worse, backup tight end Vance McDonald has been a huge disappointment since the 49ers drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. 

Baalke drafted McDonald to be the future starter or at the very least replace the production the 49ers lost when Delanie Walker departed via free agency. Don't get me wrong: McDonald has made tremendous strides as a blocker, but the former Rice product is still lacking as a receiving threat. 

Anything can happen, but Davis will likely remain with the 49ers for at least one more season. 

Final Verdict: Keep