49ers, Jon Baldwin re-worked contract for 2014, clear $755,000 in cap space

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly re-worked wide receiver Jon Baldwin's contract, potentially affording him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in 2014. ESPN's Field Yates is reporting the two sides re-worked the deal so that he will earn $645,000 in base salary, with a chance for up to $755,000 in incentives. His previous deal called for $1,274,765 with a $130,000 workout bonus.

Entering the offseason, I operated under the assumption that the 49ers would simply release Baldwin and move on. They acquired him last August from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for A.J. Jenkins. He was active for six games, but inactive the final five games of the regular season, and then all three games in the playoffs. He did not seem to have a spot on the team, so assuming he would be released seemed fairly logical.

The 49ers will want plenty of competition at wide receiver, but for now Baldwin would seem to be behind Michael Crabtree and Quinton Patton, and hopefully Anquan Boldin as well. This new deal does not guarantee he remains on the roster next season. According to Yates, all the incentives are unlikely to be earned:

@NinersNation All unlikely. Maximum incentives are: $255k for 65+ receptions, $250k for 800+ yards, $250k for 80% PT.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 20, 2014

So we're basically looking at the $645,000 base salary instead of the $1.4 million in base and bonus. Another $755,000 in cap space. Huzzah!