49ers Get $6.6M In Cap Saving From Releasing Carlos Rogers, Could Propel Talks With Colin Kaepernick

 

The 49ers are one of a few teams that received some additional cap space now that June 1 has passed.

San Francisco designated veteran CB Carlos Rogers as a post-June 1 release back on March 11. This move frees up $6.6 million in available cap space, which comes at a great time for the 49ers given that they had a little over $1.73 million to work with as of last week.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area writes the 49ers now have enough room to get a long-term contract extension in place with QB Colin Kaepernick, which is reportedly at the top of the team’s offseason priorities list.

• However, Maiocco mentions that “there is no report of significant movement toward a new deal.“

Maiocco estimates that San Francisco now has $8.32 million in cap room and could even create more space by restructuring some other contracts.

Kaepernick, 26, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will make just $973,766 for the 2014 season.

Given how successful he’s been since taking over for Alex Smith during the 2012 season, and the fact that he’s just entering the prime of his career, it really wouldn’t be surprising to see him come close to Joe Flacco‘s contract.

Flacco signed a six-year contract worth $120.6 million that included a $29 million signing bonus and $51 million guaranteed.

Last year, Kaepernick completed 58.4 percent of his passes for 3,197 to go along with 21 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He also contributed another 524 yards rushing and four touchdowns on the ground.

Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 18 quarterback in the league last season.