The San Francisco 49ers’ roster overhaul under first-year general manager John Lynch is close to taking another step. According to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee, San Francisco plans to release long-time linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
“The 49ers plan to release the longest tenured player on their defense, outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks, according to multiple sources,” Barrows reported Friday.
A former Pro Bowl performer, Brooks has spent each of the past eight seasons with the 49ers. He’s the second-longest tenured player on the team, behind offensive tackle Joe Staley.
The 34-year-old Brooks matched then rookie DeForest Buckner for the team lead in sacks with six last season. In fact, Brooks has been a model of consistency — racking up five-plus sacks in each of the eight seasons he spent with the 49ers.
Lynch and fellow first-year head coach Kyle Shanahan have led a complete roster upheaval after San Francisco put up just two wins under then head coach Chip Kelly last season. Brooks appears to be the latest in this purge.
By releasing the veteran, San Francisco would save $5-plus million against this year’s cap. There promises to be a solid market for Brooks’ services once he is let go.