49ers release LB Tully Banta-Cain and S Keith Lewis

by David Fucillo on Feb 10, 2009 4:07 PM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

John Clayton is reporting that the 49ers have released linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and safety Keith Lewis. According to Clayton, their releases save the 49ers $2.275 million in cap space. Not huge releases but still interesting.

Another interesting note is that the 49ers put in a waiver claim (and failed) on QB Bruce Gradkowski. The Raiders ended up getting him. It's hard to fully determine what this kind of move means. There has been talk of Mark Sanchez by some folks, but maybe this indicates they're looking to go a little more subtle at QB.

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Lewis and SS

Probably just grasping at straws, but releasing Keith Lewis could mean that the 49ers will want to move one of Roman or Goldson to the backup SS spot.

by sfgfan on Feb 10, 2009 4:29 PM PST reply actions

released wrong lewis

i think keith is better per dollar than michael. Michael is only good for tackles 8 yards into the run. and we didn’t release jennings yet?

If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.

by 9Custs on Feb 10, 2009 5:24 PM PST reply actions

Per dollar doesn't matter

The Niners have plenty of cap room so they might as well field the best SS on the roster even if it’s not the best value on the dollar. Plus you need to factor in the cap hit that the Niners would incur by cutting M. Lewis as he signed a six year deal back in ’07.

by methodrampage on Feb 11, 2009 7:31 AM PST up reply actions

gut feeling

i have a feeling that most of our defensive needs will be through free agency and either our 1st or 2nd rd pick will be a QB.

by sundaysfinest on Feb 10, 2009 5:51 PM PST reply actions

QB

Would the fact that they went after a QB like Gradkowski indicate otherwise? Maybe they change their strategy since they didn’t get him but it makes me think they don’t want to break the bank on a QB (which a first rounder would do). Thoughts?

by David Fucillo on Feb 10, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions

I agree Fooch

Afterall, you can only have so many QB’s. If you bring in Gradkowski and keep Smith, thats 3 already. Plus, I think that cutting defensive guys shows that defense may be the priority in the draft. Otherwise I think you would keep them for depth.

by Brendan Scolari on Feb 10, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions

Gradkowski

Maiocco says that the attempt to sign Gradkowski was just to have another QB for the pre-draft minicamp, since they only have 1 QB (Hill) that will definitely be available. I doubt they have any designs on him playing a part with the team in 2009

by Chuckcottle on Feb 11, 2009 7:08 AM PST up reply actions

2nd Round Pick

Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.

by methodrampage on Feb 11, 2009 7:32 AM PST up reply actions

I think this is more evidence they will be drafting defense. They need under studies and backups on defense, in some cases they have starters that you can only really expect a another season of production, Spikes, Walt Harris. The offense needs a few starters which suggest free agents. Even if they draft a QB, they still a need a veteran this year to back up Shaun Hill and someone who can play Right Tackle.

by bignerd on Feb 10, 2009 6:24 PM PST reply actions

noooooooooooooooo

I loved Keith Lewis and his hits. He was a good f-ing special teamer and did not deserve a release at this point. I’m hoping he’ll be resigned before camp

by foosball4949 on Feb 10, 2009 7:54 PM PST reply actions

Plus his hair is awesome.

by Brendan Scolari on Feb 10, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions

Re-signed

It’s possible Lewis gets re-signed, but highly unlikely. His salary wasn’t ridiculous (I think the 49ers only save $800K by cutting him?), and bringing him back will cost at least that for the veteran minimum, I think.

by sfgfan on Feb 11, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions

Lewis is a special teams demon...

however, that wasn’t enough to save his job. They want someone they can develop to start at that position in the future which Lewis never would. This may also be another indication they are going to move a CB to safety. With only 4 safety spots likely available and Roman, Lewis, Goldson, Williams, and possibly Smith or Harris moving over, there wasn’t any room.

Unless Roman is due a roster bonus soon, and depending what they do in FA and the draft, I expect they will keep him on as an insurance policy through camp.

by 49er4life on Feb 11, 2009 9:50 AM PST reply actions

Roman

I agree. I don’t think he’s going anywhere. I think the team would rather cut someone like Hudson or keep Smith at CB before they cut Roman. The coaching staff seems to love him, and his “strength,” as described by coaches seems to suit being a backup really well.

by sfgfan on Feb 11, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions