49ers adjust Jake Brendel’s contract; clear more than $2 million in cap space

Mac Jones wasn't the only contract the San Francisco 49ers toyed with. The team converted $3.02 million of center Jake Brendel's 2026 compensation into a signing bonus, per Spotrac. That cleared $2.265 million of cap space.

This may be the last season we see Brendel in a 49ers uniform. His contract is void after the 2026 season, despite there being three additional ghost years in his contract to help spread out his $8.98 million signing bonus.

The move doesn't alter Brendel's cap hit in 2026. That number remains $3.14 million. However, his 2027 cap number is now down to $3.6 million after initially being $4.423 million.

Brendel has been one of the most reliable starters for the 49ers since 2022. Last year was the first time he missed a game since he took over as the starter in '22.

We'll see if the team uses rookie Carver Willis as Brendel's backup. Veteran Brett Toth also has experience at center.