San Francisco 49ers: 3 Possible cap casualties in 2018 offseason

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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Guard Zane Beadles #68 of the San Francisco 49ers lines up during the second half of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-20. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Zane Beadles

Cap Savings: $3,500,000
Dead Money: $583,334

The interior of the offensive line is one of the 49ers’ most pressing needs and it is tough to see them viewing Beadles as a player who can contribute long term. Beadles’ versatility — he can play every position on the O-Line — is valued but he has rarely excelled in his two seasons with the Niners.

He finished with a dismal Pro Football Focus Edge grade of 32.9 from his five starts in 2017 and there are likely plenty of ways in which the 49ers can better use the $3.5million they would save by cutting him.

Jimmie Ward

Cap Savings: $8,526,000
Dead Money: $0

Numerous coaching staffs have been effusive in their praise of Jimmie Ward since he was drafted in the first round in 2014, but heading into the final year of his rookie deal he looks to be a man without a position. Ward has played well at safety, nickel corner and boundary corner in his career, but all of those spots now appear filled.

It was quickly evident when injury ended Ward’s 2017 season prematurely that his replacement Adrian Colbert was a better fit for the single-high safety role in Robert Saleh’s defense and he and Jaquiski Tartt, who enjoyed a breakout year at strong safety, should be the presumptive starters in 2018.

Ahkello Witherspoon looks to have locked down one starting corner spot while K’Waun Williams did more than enough to remain as the nickel man.

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Dontae Johnson does not figure to be back but, with the 49ers reportedly suitors for both Trumaine Johnson and Richard Sherman, there is no starting spot available for Ward, who also comes with significant durability concerns. Ward has finished just one season in his pro career and is the odd man out in the secondary. He may benefit from a fresh start with a new team.