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The Super Bowl is a wrap, which means it is time to break down the nitty-gritty of the 49ers offseason. We'll have plenty to discuss about potential free agent additions and draft picks, but for now, we're talking salary cap. The 49ers have some decisions to make about free agents, and part of their decision-making process will include whether or not to consider roster cuts and contract restructuring.
We opened the discussion on Wednesday with a look at kicker David Akers. The 49ers kicker struggled mightily this year and is a strong candidate to be cut in 2013. You could argue he is the strongest candidate.
Today, we continue this project by looking at Carlos Rogers. The 49ers cornerback has a 2013 cap figure of $7,344,531. This includes $5.5 million in base salary, $100,000 in a workout bonus and $250,000 in a roster bonus. Of the $5.5 million in base salary, $1.6 million is guaranteed, while the remainder becomes guaranteed if he is on the roster on April 1.
The 49ers could save two different amounts depending on when they might decide to release Rogers. The first is a basic release, which accelerates the rest of his bonus money into 2013, and would only save the team a little over $1 million. However, if the 49ers decide to designate him a June 1 cut, they would save $4.15 million in 2013, and a little over $5.105 million in 2014.
Will he be cut? I am going to say no. The 49ers don't have a true answer yet at CB. If they do decide to get rid of Rogers, it has to be before April 1st, due to the guarantee. An important note is if they do designate Rogers a June 1 cut, the 49ers won't have that cap room until June 1. It is worth noting that the team could conceivably franchise Goldson, and then wait until that money comes free on June 1 to finish up a deal with him.
At the same time, I do feel the 49ers will look to upgrade their 4th CB spot in the draft. There a number of top prospects in this draft, but the Johnthan Banks, Dee Milliner, and Jordan Poyer are likely out of their range at pick 31, barring a trade. I would expect more of a Robert Alford, Leon McFadden or Will Davis In the late 2nd or early 3rd round.