49ers Saved Face With Jerick McKinnon Contract Restructure

The San Francisco 49ers have not had themselves a rip-roaring start to the 2020 NFL league year. After being forced to trade away one of their best pass rushers in DeForest Buckner and subsequently needing to sign Arik Armstead to a massive extension, the defending NFC champs have had to already make some difficult decisions with their roster in a matter of days.

However, the 49ers have rallied to restructure a contract that would have otherwise tied up their cap situation significantly for the next two years. Running back Jerick McKinnon will have the entire 2021 year of his contract eliminated, and will instead make the veteran's minimum for 2020, with other bonuses attached.

Jerick McKinnon's restructured deal eliminates 2021, making the RB signed for just this year at the veteran minimum, plus roster bonuses, per @caplannfl. #49ers https://t.co/YkkL1tEzmF
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 17, 2020

This is great news for 49ers fans who want to see big moves this offseason. The restructure allows more future flexibility as well, as over $8 million in cap space has suddenly been freed up for the 2021 season.

It simply makes sense given that McKinnon has barely appeared for the team since signing two years ago due to a litany of injuries.

Jerick McKinnon will be back with the #49ers in 2020 after both sides agreed to a restructured deal, per @MaioccoNBCS. McKinnon (knee) has not played a down with SF since signing his big deal in 2018.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 17, 2020

It's been a tough road for McKinnon after so much expectation was placed on him from his massive deal before the 2018 season. Perhaps now, without the pressure of a big-money contract, he can finally focus 100% on getting healthy and becoming an asset to help the 49ers secure the Super Bowl title that barely eluded them last time around.