I think '94 was the first year of the cap. But I'm not sure how strict they were with enforcement. Either way, all you needed to know about Jerry happened during the Emmitt Smith hold out. It's not like he would have tried to keep up. Then couple that with getting rid of Jimmy, that's all folks.
The SF dream team was indeed the first year of the salary cap. I recall reading an SF Chronicle article right before the draft that year that lamented the fact that the 49ers were in seriously bad shape with the cap, and would have to get creative to even sign draft picks. Thanks to a crooked NFL, they not only signed their draft picks, but around 10 pro bowlers too. It was the most crooked shit I have ever seen in the NFL including the stupid shit that has gone on under Goodell. This is why I don't give Tagliabue a pass, because he knew what was going on, and let it go anyway flat out refusing to investigate SF when other owners were calling for it.
BTW, Tagliabue investigated Dallas the following year because we signed Deion, despite that Dallas had lost so many players to FA by then that there was nobody calling for any investigation because it was obvious Dallas had plenty of cap space due to the defections.
Also, to get more of an idea of what I know about the corrupt Tagliabue, just look at the grimace on his face as he hands over the third Lombardi to Jerry. You can tell it was like he just ate Cheerios with piss instead of milk.
