So what became of the 49ers’ reported attempt to recover up to $960,000 from defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer, given his trade to the Seahawks?
Per a league source, Balmer paid $80,000 back to the Niners in order to facilitate the trade. That number represents 25 percent of the 2010 portion of his $1.6 million signing bonus.
But Balmer also preserved $800,000 in future guaranteed salaries, for which the Seahawks are now responsible.
Bottom line? Though Balmer’s absence initially was explained as arising from a “personal matter,” it appears that he personally wanted out of San Fran.