The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant contract move that suggests Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave may soon be shown the door. According to reports, the team restructured Hargrave’s contract, reducing his base salary from $19.9 million to $2.1 million. This move drops his salary cap number from $28.105 million to $10.305 million, making him a likely candidate for an offseason cut.

The decision to restructure Hargrave’s contract is part of the 49ers’ strategy to manage their salary cap space, especially with the impending contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. While Hargrave has been a valuable asset to the team, his recent triceps injury and the financial implications of his contract have made him a prime candidate for release.

General manager John Lynch and the front office are focused on creating cap space for future signings, and Hargrave’s contract restructure is a clear indication of their plans. The team can designate Hargrave as a post-June 1 release, which would minimize the cap hit and allow them to allocate resources more effectively.

Hargrave, who has been a standout performer since joining the 49ers, expressed his disappointment but remains hopeful about his future in the NFL. “It’s tough, but I understand the business side of things,” Hargrave said. “I’ll continue to work hard and prove my worth wherever I end up.”

As the offseason approaches, the 49ers’ decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The move underscores the challenges of managing a successful NFL team while balancing financial constraints and player performance.