Lott, Called Heart, Soul of 49ers, Offers to Take $200,000 Pay Cut

Ronnie Lott, often called the heart and soul of the San Francisco 49ers defense, has offered to take a $200,000 pay cut to remain with the team.

But his attorney, Leonard Armato, says the 49ers want an even deeper slice of the $1 million Lott is scheduled to receive this year.

Lott, left off the 49ers’ protected list and now a Plan B free agent, wants to play two more years and would like them to be with San Francisco. But five other teams have expressed an interest, and Lott hasn’t ruled out a move.

“I told (coach) George (Siefert) I would be willing to reduce my salary if it was a financial (problem),” said Lott. “I’d be willing to reduce it $200,000. But I don’t know if it’s financial or if it’s the way I played.”

“At this moment, I’m a 49er,” he said. “And I want to stay a 49er. But since I’ve been put in this position, I’ve got to let my attorney do his job.”

The Rams, Raiders, Washington, Phoenix and Green Bay have called to talk about the possibility of Lott moving.

The 49ers protected 37 players when the Plan B lists were released last Friday.

Under Plan B, players can accept offers from other teams up to March 31.