The San Francisco 49ers have one of the largest budgets in the NFL for the 2025 season, reflecting their commitment to retaining top talent and competing at the highest level. They cleaned house this offseason to clear up salary cap space, erasing high-priced contracts and letting several marquee players leave via trade or free agency.
With the NFL salary cap set at $279.2 million in 2025, the 49ers have $23.8 million more than the previous year, giving them greater flexibility to manage their roster and extend key player contracts. They currently have $46.37 million in salary-cap space.
Top 10 Highest-Paid 49ers in 2025
1. Fred Warner (ILB) – $29.17 Million Cap Hit
Warner tops the list as the highest-paid 49ers player in 2025, commanding a cap hit of $29.17 million. Known for his elite performance and leadership as the defensive signal-caller, Warner’s compensation includes a significant base salary, bonuses, and restructure proration. This structure places him among the league’s top-paid linebackers and reflects his All-Pro caliber play. There has been a lot of discussion about the 49ers and Warner working out a contract extension ahead of Week 1.
2. Trent Williams (LT) – $21.14 Million Cap Hit
Williams just turned 36 years old in July, yet the veteran left tackle remains one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive linemen. His 2025 cap figure stems from a hefty signing bonus of $19.84 million and a $100,000 workout bonus (via Spotrac). The 11-time Pro Bowler will earn a base salary of only $1.25 million in 2025. Williams’ presence up front is critical in protecting the quarterback’s blind side and stabilizing the offensive line.
3. Nick Bosa (DE) – $20.43 Million Cap Hit
Bosa is one of the best pure pass-rushers in the NFL, plain and simple. The 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year inked a five-year, $170 million contract with the 49ers in 2023, one that includes a cap hit ͏of $͏20.43 million in 2025. The lucrative deal is filled with significant bonuses and a massive dead cap figure ($96 million), which ͏are clear signs of the team’s attachment to him as a key edge rusher for the long term.
4. George Kittle (TE) – $14.21 Million Cap Hit
Kittle recently inked a four-year, $76.4 million extension to make him the highest-paid tight end in football, surpassing Arizona’s Trey McBridge on average annual salary per year. Even at age 31, he remains a vital cog in the 49ers’ offense and his $14.21 million cap hit appears manageable on paper. The new contract has a relatively high annual salary ($22.85 million) with $35 million in guaranteed money.
5. Brandon Aiyuk (WR) – $9.91 Million Cap Hit
The 2020 first-rounder shook off trade rumors in the offseason and cashed in on a $22.85 million roster bonus in April. His $120 million deal carries a cap hit of $9.91 million and a dead cap value of $65.24 million (via Spotrac). This figure reflects both his production and the team’s investment in retaining young, dynamic offensive talent. His compensation includes a combination of base salary, bonuses, and performance-based incentives.
6. Yetur Gross-Matos (DE) – $9.47 Million Cap Hit
Gross-Matos tallied four sacks last season during his first year in San Francisco after inking a two-year, $18 million deal in 2024. The former second-round pick is a force off the edge, complementing Nick Bosa along the 49ers’ defensive line. His $9.47 million cap hit results from a sizable base salary ($7.4 million) and signing bonus ($1.6 million).
7. Christian McCaffrey (RB) – $8.36 Million Cap Hit
McCaffrey is still one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL, with the hefty price tag to prove it. His 2025 cap number of $8.36 million is allocated with a combination of base salary and incentives, including some $500,000 in bonuses per year. McCaffrey has racked up 10,853 all-purpose yards since 2017.
8. Deommodore Lenoir (CB) – $5.83 Million Cap Hit
The 25-year-old cornerback has become a dependable starter in the 49ers’ secondary, hauling in six interceptions over the last four seasons. His 2025 cap hit of $5.83 million reflects his growth and the team’s investment in retaining young defensive backs. Lenoir signed a five-year, $92 million contract with San Francisco in 2024.
9. Brock Purdy (QB) – $5.37 Million Cap Hit
Purdy’s contract situation has been the major storyline of the offseason so far in San Franciso where opinions vary on what he’s worth. He could command $50 million per year as the franchise quarterback. Purdy is set to be a free agent in 2026 while playing out the final year of his rookie deal. He carries a cap figure of $5.37 million in 2025, with a dead cap value of $19,252.
10. Colton McKivitz (RT) – $5.32 Million Cap Hit
McKivitz, a fifth-round pick in 2020, will earn approximately $3.2 million in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $5.32 million in 2025. The 28-year-old right tackle penned a one-year, $7 million extension last offseason, which is composed of a base salary of $3.19 million, workout bonuses, and a dead cap value of $3.17 million.