SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers waived linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and safety Keith Lewis on Wednesday.
Banta-Cain spent two seasons with the 49ers after leaving New England to sign as a free agent in his native Bay Area. The former University of California star never provided the pass-rush sought by San Francisco, generating just four sacks in 28 games.
Lewis, a sixth-round pick in 2004 from Sacramento, mostly played special teams for the 49ers.
San Francisco saved more than $2 million against the salary cap by releasing the pair. Coach Mike Singletary has said he hopes to upgrade his club's pass rush and safety play in the offseason.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press