49ers release Banta-Cain, Lewis

The 49ers released two veterans Tuesday to free up more than $2 million in salary cap space.

The club parted ways with outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and safety Keith Lewis. The 49ers plan to release injury-prone offensive tackle Jonas Jennings in the near future, sources close to the situation said.

Jennings has started just 23 games in four seasons since signing a seven-year, $36 million contract with the 49ers in 2005. He played in two games last season before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury.

Jennings is scheduled to earn $4.2 million in base salary in 2009.

The five projected starters on the offensive line, at this time – Joe Staley, David Baas, Eric Heitmann, Chilo Rachal and Adam Snyder - are scheduled to earn a combined $3.8 million in base salary.

When the 49ers release Jennings, it will save the organization $3.108 million in salary cap space. He is currently scheduled to count $6.592 million against the cap. When he is released, the only charge on the cap will be the remaining $3.484 million in prorated bonus money.

The 49ers’ moves Tuesday saved $2.125 million on the salary cap.

Banta-Cain was scheduled to earn $1.275 million, while Lewis’ salary was set at $850,000. Both players were signed through 2009.

Banta-Cain was a disappointment after signing with the 49ers as a free agent from the New England Patriots in 2007. Banta-Cain recorded just four sacks in two seasons.

Lewis was a sixth-round draft pick in 2004. He started nine games in 2004, but was used almost exclusively on special teams the past two seasons.

Also, the 49ers lost on their waiver claim of former Cleveland quarterback Brad Gradkowski, who landed with the Raiders instead.

The Raiders were assigned Gradkowski, because they had a worse record than the 49ers in 2008.

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com