In 2017 and 2018, the San Francisco 49ers were so flush with salary cap space, they could essentially go out and overspend on a number of big-name players and free agents.
Entering 2020, the context is entirely different.
Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and still armed with a championship-caliber roster, general manager John Lynch and Co. are faced with the reality the 2021 squad could look vastly different than the one fans will see this upcoming season. A number of key players — fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Jaquiski Tartt — are entering contract years.