49ers salary cap 2013, cut candidates: Jonathan Goodwin

So far we have taken a look at David Akers, Carlos Roger and Parys Haralson as we consider who the 49ers might be willing to cut to create some salary cap room. The 49ers have some space for now, but not enough to get too creative with free agents. We can expect some moves, but it remains to be seen what specifically.

Today, we will take a look at veteran center Jonathan Goodwin. Much like Carlos Rogers, Goodwin is a tricky player to consider, and in fact we might just see the team work with him to come up with a more manageable cap value.

Goodwin is looking at a 2013 cap figure of $5,016,667. That number includes a $3.7 million base salary, $650,000 in playing time incentives and $666,667 in prorated signing bonus money. If the 49ers released Goodwin, they would only be on the hook for the remaining $666,667 in prorated signing bonus from his original signing bonus given back in July 2011.

Now the answer to whether Goodwin is cut or not. Goodwin has a big cap figure, sitting as the 49ers highest paid offensive lineman. He has been a very solid player, but I think it is more plausible for the 49ers to cut ties then keep Goodwin. They do have time to restructure his deal if need be, so we'll keep an eye out for any details on that.

If the 49ers decided to move on from Goodwin, they have a pair of options on the roster in 2011 fifth round pick Daniel Kilgore, and 2012 fourth round pick Joe Looney. And of course, they could look for some options in the Draft, including Clemson's Dalton Freeman, Illinois' Graham Pocic,and Notre Dame's Braxston Cave.

Whatever happens, the 49ers need to make sure they keep some measure of stability at center. They have developed one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL, and center is a key part of that.