Breaking down the 49ers outside linebacker salary cap situation

The 49ers are working their way through OTAs, and as we continue prepping for the upcoming season, it seemed a good time for another swing through the positions. This time around, we are looking at the salary cap figures for the players competing in each position group. The 49ers have a ton of cap space, so it should not play a huge role in deciding roster spots, but it is always interesting to consider.

We are started off with quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, and defensive line. Today, we move on to the outside linebackers. We've got a list of the pertinent numbers for each player, and anything key points associated with the given contract.

Ahmad Brooks

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB	Per Game RB	WO Bonus
2016	$8,005,000	$4,900,000	$2,348,750	$656,250	$100,000
2017	$8,648,750	$6,950,000	$848,750	$750,000	$100,000

If cut

Dead money: $2,348,750
Cap savings: $5,656,250

Brooks has two years left on the 6-year, $40 million deal he signed in 2012. I don’t see him being a starter anymore at his age. I expect the 49ers to move on from him in 2017. I also believe they would have moved on had Aldon Smith not gotten into so much trouble, and subsequently been released.

Aaron Lynch

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB
2016	$649,500	$600,000	$49,500
2017	$739,500	$690,000	$49,500

If cut

Dead money: $49,500
Cap savings: $600,000

Lynch is clearly the 49ers top outside linebacker, and top pass rusher right now. I would expect big things from him this season. He will most definitely start at one of the outside linebacker spots. Lynch will be eligible for an extension after the 2016 season. He is also eligible for the proven performance escalator in 2017.

Eli Harold

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB	WO Bonus
2016	$729,343	$540,000	$174,343	$15,000
2017	$823,343	$634,000	$174,343	$15,000
2018	$909,343	$720,000	$174,343	$15,000

If cut

Dead money: $174,343
Cap savings: $555,000

Harold, according to reports, is now up to 270 pounds, and could be developing into a favorite to start opposite Aaron Lynch. The former Virginia defensive end is someone whom I am very high on, and believe he will boost the team's pass rush. Harold is eligible for an extension after the 2017 season, and he is also eligible for the proven performance escalator in 2018.

Tank Carradine

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB	WO Bonus
2016	$1,574,262	$1,029,684	$494,578	$50,000

If cut

Dead money: $494,578
Cap savings: $1,079,684

The former 2nd-round pick out of Florida State, Carradine has now moved back to the position he played at in college, and is expected to be a pass rushing specialist for the 49ers this season. Carradine can sign an extension at any point, but I feel like the 49ers will want to see something significant from him on the field before they give him a new deal.

Corey Lemonier

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB
2016	$820,880	$685,000	$135,880

If cut

Dead money: $135,880
Cap savings: $685,000

This is a make-or-break season for Lemonier, and well, a make-or-break offseason too. If he doesn’t show much, he is likely gone in my opinion.

Jason Fanaika

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB
2016	$455,000	$450,000	$5,000
2017	$545,000	$540,000	$5,000
2018	$635,000	$630,000	$5,000

If cut

Dead money: $5,000
Cap savings: $450,000

Faniaka received a significant amount of guaranteed money as an undrafted free agent. He received $50,000, between a $15,000 signing bonus and a $35,000 base salary guarantee for this year. The former Utah Ute defensive end could surprise people, and make the 2016 roster. Fanaika will be eligible for an extension following the 2017 season.

Marcus Rush

Year	Cap Hit	Base
2016	$450,000	$450,000
2917	$540,000	$540,000

If cut

Dead money: $0
Cap savings: $450,000

Rush has the longest odds of any of the other outside linebackers, he is likely destined for the 10-man practice squad.

Lenny Jones

Year	Cap Hit	Base	SB
2016	$452,666	$450,000	$2,666
2017	$542,666	$540,000	$2,666
2018	$632,667	$630,000	$2,667

If cut

Dead money: $2,666
Cap savings: $450,000

Jones is another roster long shot, but the team might see some development options in him. They gave him an $8,000 signing bonus, and guaranteed $5,000 of his base salary. That doesn't guarantee a spot on the practice squad, but this is certainly a step in the right direction for him.

Here is how the proven performance escalator (PPE) works, according to the CBA:The CBA states that an eligible player will qualify for the PPE in his fourth League year if: (1) he participated in a minimum of 35% of his Club's offensive or defensive plays in any two of his previous three regular seasons; or (2) he participated in a "cumulative average" of at least 35% of his Club's offensive or defensive plays over his previous three regular seasons. "Cumulative average" means the sum of the total number of offensive or defensive plays in which the player participated over the applicable seasons, divided by the sum of the Club's offensive or defensive plays during the same seasons. (By way of example, if a player participates in 600 of the Club's 1,000 offensive plays in his first season, 290 of the Club's 1,000 plays in his second season, and 310 of the Club's 1,000 plays in his third season for a total of 1,200 plays out of a possible 3,000, the cumulative average would equal 40%). As far as the salary is concerned, the PPE shall equal the difference between (i) the amount of the Restricted Free Agent Qualifying Offer for a Right of First Refusal Only as set forth in, or as calculated in accordance with, Article 9 for the League Year in such player's fourth season and (ii) the player's year-four Rookie Salary (excluding signing bonus and amounts treated as signing bonus). The resulting amount shall be added to the stated amount of the player's year-four Paragraph 5 Salary. Lastly If you have any questions, please leave them below, and I will do my best to get to them all.

As always you can follow me on Twitter, @Jay_AB81, or check our salary cap section here, on Niners Nation, which is now officially the exclusive home for my salary cap information.