The 49ers have 38 players with NFL experience who are not signed for next season, including 27 unrestricted free agents.
And with a projection of less than $10 million in cap space, this promises to be an eventful and stressful offseason for 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan.
“There is a lot of work to be done,” 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner told NBC Sports Bay Area on "49ers Talk."
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“You see that long list of names of guys who need to be re-signed and who are free agents this offseason. I know John and Kyle want to do their best to keep the group as similar as possible.”
The list includes tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, nose tackle D.J. Jones, and defensive backs Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams and Jaquiski Tartt.
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Warner has his own contract situation, as he is eligible to sign a new contract this offseason after playing three NFL seasons.
Warner is considered, along with tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, among the top young stars on the team. He figures to be with the organization for a long time.
“There are a lot of great guys that our team is made up of,” Warner said. “To bring back as many as possible is the goal. But it’s tough. The longer I’ve been in this league, the more clear I’ve seen that free agency is real.
“I don’t know what the case is going to be for everyone, and I just kind of have to leave it up to John and Kyle to make decisions.”
Even after the 49ers’ Super Bowl season of a year ago, there was turnover on the roster. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders signed with the New Orleans Saints, and running back Matt Breida was dealt to the Miami Dolphins.
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But this offseason figures to see many more comings and goings.
“That’s how it’s always going to be for the history of time,” Warner said. “But we do have a very good culture and core within our team. I’m excited to see it.
“I’m always happy for guys who go out and get paid and get the money they deserve just because that’s ultimately setting themselves and their families up for the rest of their life. It’s a very exciting time.”