The 49ers could extend Deommodore Lenoir’s contract right now if they wanted to. But doing do would be expensive, plus so much of their future salary cap space is allocated for Brandon Aiyuk and Brock Purdy.

Which means 2024 could be Lenoir’s final season with the 49ers.

In three seasons, Lenoir has developed into a quality no. 2 cornerback who can play outside and in the slot. He’s an asset. If he were on the free agent market right now, he probably would get a three-year deal worth roughly $30 million even though he hasn’t gone to a Pro Bowl. That’s the just cornerback market.

And that’s the problem for the 49ers. They might not want to pay $10 million per season for a no. 2 cornerback. They typically don’t spend big money on defensive backs in general. Of course, they made an exception when they gave Charvarius Ward a three-year, $40 million deal two years ago, but he’s a true No. 1 cornerback who can shadow the opponent’s no. 1 wide receiver. Lenoir isn’t quite at Ward’s level yet.

The 49ers could re-sign Lenoir next year and bank on him improving, or they could draft someone who’s younger and cheaper. And it appears the 49ers have chosen the second option because they just spent a second-round draft pick on Renardo Green, a cornerback who can play both outside and in the slot. He and Lenoir have the same skill set, which probably means the 49ers are preparing for life after Lenoir.

You probably should, too.