San Francisco 49ers sign OL Enrique Cruz Jr

The 49ers' signing of Enrique Cruz Jr on a four-year deal worth $4.76M total ($1.19M AAV) earns a B- Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a low-risk depth addition at reasonable cost for a team sitting at 12-5 and positioned for a playoff run. At the offensive line, where depth rotations and injury insurance carry consistent value, Cruz fits the profile of a solid backup or special-teams contributor on a manageable salary that won't strain the 49ers' cap flexibility heading into the regular season. The modest AAV — roughly $1.2M annually — positions this as a classic reserve-option signing rather than a projected starter, meaning the risk is capped and the upside hinges on availability and situational deployment rather than on-field production expectations. For a team in preseason mode with 113 days before kickoff, locking in an OL body at this price point is prudent roster construction, especially given the injury-prone nature of the position; the CVI reflects solid value without excess commitment. The four-year structure suggests organizational confidence in a longer-term depth role, though the modest total guarantees imply limited downside if Cruz doesn't pan out. Overall, this is the kind of transaction that doesn't move the needle dramatically but reflects competent front-office work — exactly the kind of steady, low-key deal that keeps a playoff contender's roster intact.