By Sunday 
San Francisco Weighs Financial Trade-offs Against Depth at Edge
The San Francisco 49ers are facing tough decisions this offseason, particularly when it comes to managing their defensive line. While some reports suggest defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos could be a cap casualty, signs point to the team retaining him rather than cutting ties.
Financial Pressure Meets Defensive Needs
Like many teams with Super Bowl aspirations, the 49ers must balance cap constraints with roster needs. With Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave already designated as a post-June 1 cut, saving the team over $12 million, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s situation still uncertain, the idea of releasing Gross-Matos has gained traction.
His 2025 cap hit stands at $9.5 million, and his 2024 production—four sacks, 19 tackles, and 10 quarterback pressures—has led some analysts, including NFL.com’s Matt Okada, to question whether his value justifies the cost.
“Yetur Gross-Matos might be worth cutting just from a value perspective,” Okada wrote. “With a $9.5 million cap hit in 2025, that kind of production is simply not good enough.”
Still, the Niners’ roster situation complicates the equation. Cutting him outright would save just $2.9 million, while a post-June 1 designation could free up $7.8 million. However, with both Hargrave and potentially Samuel already filling those slots, that option may not be available.
A Player the 49ers Have Long Admired
The 49ers’ interest in Gross-Matos predates his arrival. Back in the 2020 NFL Draft, San Francisco had its eye on the former Penn State pass-rusher, only to watch the Carolina Panthers take him in the second round. His time in Carolina was inconsistent, marked by coaching changes and role shifts, but the 49ers believed he had untapped potential.
That belief led them to sign him in free agency in 2024. Despite missing time due to a preseason knee injury, Gross-Matos contributed solid production as a rotational piece upon his return.
The Case for Keeping Gross-Matos
While his numbers don’t jump off the page, his value extends beyond the stat sheet. In a league where reliable pass-rushers command $8 million per year, his $9.47 million cap hit isn’t wildly out of line. Given the 49ers’ current depth at edge rusher—Drake Jackson, Robert Beal Jr., and Sam Okuayinonu—keeping Gross-Matos could provide stability.
If San Francisco doesn’t acquire multiple pass-rushers this offseason, maintaining continuity with Gross-Matos might be the safer play. A fully healthy season could allow him to emerge as a stronger contributor, making his contract more palatable.
For now, despite the financial crunch, the 49ers appear inclined to keep Gross-Matos and see if their initial belief in him pays off.