The 49ers have an offseason decision to make with defensive end Dee Ford, who’s injury guaranteed $4.6 million April 1 roster bonus became fully guaranteed Tuesday per CBS Sports salary cap analyst Joel Corry. While the 49ers are officially due to pay Ford that $4.6 million, it doesn’t do much to affect how they’ll operate with the veteran defensive end’s contract in the coming months.
After a restructure last season, Ford now carries an $11,909,997 salary cap hit. The 49ers have three options.
They can save $2,090,001 in cap space with a $9,819,996 cap hit if they cut him prior to June 1. If they wait until after June 1 to let him go they save $7 million against the cap with a $4,909,997 dead cap hit.
Moving on before June 1 gives the 49ers a little more room to work with in free agency, while a post-June 1 designation would allow them more room in any post-free agency moves.
There’s also the chance they keep him on the roster in hopes he can get healthy enough to contribute, although that feels like a long shot after Ford missed 29 of the team’s last 36 games because of back injuries.
