The San Francisco 49ers have some big decisions to make this offseason and with some limitations with the cap space, general manager John Lynch knows the team is going to have to be creative. According to Spotrac.com, the 49ers are projected to have less than $20 million in cap space.

“Someone was asking me, ‘Characterize our situation,'” Lynch said, via ESPN.com. “It’s not bleak. It’s not like some people where you have to cut players just to be able to meet certain deals. I think more so understanding that there are players that are really good players we want to take care of, knowing it is tight. There may have to be trade-offs along the way. But I think we’re in a good position to find a way to certainly keep the core together and even, like I said, our mindset to improve it.”

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7)during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Insider gives ‘bouncy’ Christian McCaffrey, 49ers updateLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Trent Williams’ on field return will have 49ers fans hypedLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan next to a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the San Francisco 49ers.
Rising San Francisco 49ers rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsBen Strauss ·
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; =Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
49ers’ Bryce Huff trade with Eagles officially completeJaren Kawada ·
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass to warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Insider makes Sam Darnold comparison for 49ers’ Mac JonesZachary Weinberger ·
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Christian McCaffrey welcomes Saquon Barkley to the running back Madden familyMatty Breisch ·

Tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and receiver Deebo Samuel are all still playing on their rookie deals, and at some point, they are going to be in line for a big payday. The team still has the flexibility this offseason to sign some players, but they can't lock into too many long-term deals if they want to bring all of those guys back.

One of the other big issues for the 49ers this offseason is the lack of draft picks. After the 49ers select 31st overall in April, they aren't scheduled to pick again until the fifth round. Draft picks can help put some ease on the cap space, but if the 49ers want to go that route they are going to need to trade for a few more picks.