According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that Weston Richburg, San Francisco 49ers center, recently underwent hip surgery, and there is no timetable for his return. Rapoport said Richburg probably played his last game in San Francisco, and that his future on the field needs to be determined.
We are all working under the impression that Richburg will not return to the Bay in 2021. It is a quick recovery and especially clean health. Unfortunately, his career was shortened due to injuries. Richburg has had three surgeries since he last played a game for the 49ers. Richburg was a stud when he was healthy, and we only saw a peek at his play in San Francisco.
The 49ers can decide until March 9 to keep Richburg and his contract or not. While Richburg is under contract for the next two seasons, there is no guaranteed money left in his contract, and Richburg also has no injury guarantees.
The release of Richburg before June 1 would save $ 4.5 million of the $ 12 million that Richburg owed in 2021. The 49ers may choose to release Richburg with a nomination after June 1, but the extra money saved can only be used on June 1. .
The 49ers could get a breather if Richburg chooses to retire. If I’m right, you only lose the proportional bonus money as soon as a player retires, and you get all the base salaries and unearned bonuses back. Richburg’s proportional bonus money is $ 6.9 million, while his base salary is $ 16.5 million. This does not count Richburg’s unearned bonuses, nor does it explain how the money is distributed on the cap.
Dekoda Shepley is the only healthy center the 49ers have under contract. Daniel Brunskill is an ERFA, but it can be assumed that he will return in 2021. Ben Garland and Hroniss Grasu are unlimited free agents. Center was already a need, but Richburg’s health issues mean it’s essential for the Niners to take advantage of this position in the off-season.