One of the 49ers’ big offseason decisions revolves around veteran running back Jerick McKinnon. He’s missed his only two seasons with the 49ers with multiple knee injuries, and enters the 2020 offseason with his future in flux.
San Francisco is set to owe McKinnon $8.55 million this season under his current contract. They can also cut the 27-year-old and save $4.55 million against the cap.
General manager John Lynch on Tuesday in his press conference from the NFL combine said McKinnon was medically cleared to play by the end of the year, and that the team will discuss a possible contract restructure with McKinnon’s representatives soon.
John Lynch said Jerick McKinnon (knee) was medically cleared at the end of the season. He said team and McKinnon’s agent will sit down this week about a possible restructured deal. Lynch said team would like to finally see McKinnon in action.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) February 25, 2020
The 49ers were high on McKinnon in the 2018 offseason, which is why they offered him four-year, $30 million deal with $18 million guaranteed. He was supposed to be a focal point of the offense, and had been throughout camp prior to tearing his ACL the weekend before the start of the regular season.
He was set to return in 2019, but complications with his repaired ACL required another surgery and put him on season-ending injured reserve before the year.
It’d make sense that the 49ers want to see what a healthy McKinnon is capable of, but it would also make sense if they parted ways with him in the event they can’t come to an agreement on a restructure. $8.55 million is a lofty commitment to a running back that’s had problems staying healthy for two seasons.
San Francisco has already restructured the contracts of linebacker Kwon Alexander and center Weston Richburg. Another restructure with McKinnon will free up additional cap space, while also allowing them to take a chance on McKinnon turning into a dynamic offensive weapon.
[vertical-gallery id=653118]