As soon as the San Francisco 49ers traded for Anquan Boldin early in the week, the obvious response was to question the future of Mario Manningham after his injury-marred first season in the Bay Area.
As it turns out, Manningham will stay with the 49ers on a reduced salary. An NFL source told Comcast SportsNet Bay Area on Thursday that Manningham agreed to a $1.8 million pay cut in his 2013 base salary to ensure that he remains in San Francisco for another season.
After signing a two-year, $7.4 million contract with the 49ers last March, Manningham recorded 42 catches for 449 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. His season ended in December when he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee.
Coming off reconstructive surgery, Manningham had no leverage and little choice but to accept the pay cut. The 49ers do not expect him to be ready for training camp.
Now that Boldin is on board opposite Michael Crabtree, the 49ers can afford to ease Manningham back in slowly. Expect him to have a minor role early in the season, giving 2012 first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins a chance to impress as the No. 3 receiver.
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