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49ers Face Injuries, Bosa Contract Burden, Seek New DEs

8/4/2026

41 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Guerendo Out

Isaac Guerendo tore his pectoral, will miss the end of training camp but will play the season, and his attitude earned praise from Christian McCaffrey.
George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in the playoff win over Philadelphia, is positive, on track and working to return quickly.
Quarterback Mac Jones skipped Thursday’s practice because his shoulder felt sore, and he was kept out as a precaution by coach Kyle Shanahan.

Summary

Bosa Cap Crunch

Nick Bosa’s contract runs through 2028, with a $54.9 million cap charge in 2027 and $47.1 million in 2028.
Releasing him after June 1 could save $32.4 million but would create $22.4 million in dead-money.
A later cut would leave $27.5 million of dead-money on the 2028 books.
The financial strain has led the 49ers to try out three additional defensive-end candidates.

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced a hard salary cap in 1994, set at $34.6 million after a lucrative TV deal raised the original $32 million estimate. That cap forced teams such as the San Francisco 49ers—who under GM John Lynch cut a veteran to save $32.4 million—and the injury-hit 2008 New England Patriots to balance payrolls, a practice reinforced by the 2011 CBA’s spending floor.

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Guerendo Out

Isaac Guerendo tore his pectoral, will miss the end of training camp but will play the season, and his attitude earned praise from Christian McCaffrey.
George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in the playoff win over Philadelphia, is positive, on track and working to return quickly.
Quarterback Mac Jones skipped Thursday’s practice because his shoulder felt sore, and he was kept out as a precaution by coach Kyle Shanahan.

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