Niners waive linebacker Banta-Cain, safety Lewis

Published: Feb 11, 2009 at 04:39 AM

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.

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