The 49ers were once again losers in this year’s Super Bowl, which particularly may hurt even more when you consider they led Kansas City most of the game and were a fourth-down stop away in OT from finally overcoming that last difficult hurdle.
But it didn’t happen, obviously, as Niners fans are left wondering what could’ve been. What would’ve happened if that extra point wasn’t blocked? What would’ve happened if Kyle Shanahan didn’t manage this game like it was Week 4? What would’ve happened if the Niners knew what the OT rules in the playoffs were?
There’s good news though. Most, if not all of the betting sites immediately after the Super Bowl have San Francisco with the best odds not only to return to the big game next season but win it.
Awesome… But are the 49ers really going to be in any better position next year to win the Super Bowl?
First, before there are any misconceptions, San Francisco is going to be good next year, they’ll challenge for a playoff spot, and we’ll hear all about them this offseason as a team that can win it all in 2024-25.
There is a significant issue that seems to be overlooked, and that is the impending salary cap problems that the 49ers will face.
According to ESPN, San Francisco is currently $44 million over the cap with nine players set to make a combined $212M next season. That leaves roughly $28-$33M left for the other 44 players writes Albert Breer of SI.com.
“The eight aforementioned players combine for about $198 million in cap charges next year. Add on Brandon Aiyuk’s fully guaranteed fifth-year option and that jumps to about $212 million. The cap next year is expected to land between $240 million and $245 million, which means the 49ers would have to fill the other 44 spots on their roster for between $28 million and $33 million, which would be impossible.”
Not only that after this upcoming season quarterback Brock Purdy you’d have to think is in line for a massive pay increase from the $1M a season he currently makes.
In other words, 49ers general manager John Lynch has some very real challenges up ahead if he and the Niners hope to make a return trip to the Super Bowl next season.