SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with their longest-tenured player Saturday, releasing two-time Pro Bowl long snapper Brian Jennings as they made their final cuts to get the roster down to 53 by the NFL's deadline.
"That was a big decision and personal because Brian Jennings, to me, we breathe the same air," coach Jim Harbaugh said in a conference call. "There's nobody I can say I enjoy more."
Jennings, drafted in the seventh round in 2000 by then-general manager Bill Walsh, played in a franchise-record tying 208 straight games and had a flawless 13-year career with the 49ers. His release hands the job over to rookie Kevin McDermott, an undrafted free agent from UCLA.
"I feel as though I've been honorably discharged from the team I love," Jennings said in a statement.
General manager Trent Baalke said in a statement: "The 49ers would like to thank Brian for his 13 years of service to the organization and the Bay Area community. He has always represented himself, his family and this organization with the utmost class. We wish him, and his family, the very best."
The move is likely financial. Jennings was scheduled to earn $940,000 while McDermott will earn the rookie minimum salary of $405,000.
"Brian and I both worked real hard during these past few months and left it all out on the field," McDermott said. "We really had no inkling of what the coaches were going to be doing."
Jennings left the facility by the time McDermott arrived so he didn't get a chance to speak with him.
"I hope to get in contact with him at some point to say what a good mentor he was to me because he really did help me out quite a bit since the day I've been here and was very professional through this whole process," McDermott said.
The 49ers also released wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, who had two of the exhibition season's biggest highlight plays. He had a touchdown reception in Thursday's exhibition finale in which he deflected a pass, caught it three yards downfield, bounced off a defender and went 45 yards for the score in a 41-6 victory over the San Diego Chargers. He also had a 105-yard kick return for a touchdown in the third preseason game, a 34-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
"You do what you feel is the best thing for the football team," Harbaugh said when asked about Hawkins. "They've competed well, they've performed well and at this time weren't put on the 53."
After cutting Austin Collie, Chad Hall and others, the 49ers have five active wide receivers: Anquan Boldin, Kyle Williams, Marlon Moore, Quinton Patton and Jon Baldwin. Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham are on the physically unable to perform list.
Rookie seventh-round pick B.J. Daniels made the team as its No.?3 quarterback less than a year after breaking his ankle. He didn't receive an invitation to the NFL scouting combine and at times questioned if he'd get an NFL shot.
"I just have to make sure I continue to stay hungry and focused and make sure every day I'm improving what I can do," Daniels said.
Linebacker Cam Johnson's impressive preseason finale helped him secure a roster spot. He had two sacks and blocked a punt that he recovered for a touchdown Thursday against the Chargers.
"It's a body of work, but definitely that game was a shining moment for him," Harbaugh said.
— Also released by the 49ers: offensive tackles Carter Bykowski and Kenny Wiggins, cornerbacks Marcus Cooper and Darryl Morris, tight end MarQueis Gray, running back Jewel Hampton, linebackers Joe Holland and Travis Johnson, wide receivers Chuck Jacobs and Kassim Osgood, guards Patrick Omameh and Wayne Tribue, nose tackle Mike Purcell, safeties Trenton Robinson and Michael Thomas, fullback Jason Schepler and quarterback Seneca Wallace.
Additionally, tight end/defensive tackle Demarcus Dobbs was placed on the reserved/suspended list and doesn't count against the 53-man roster. He's suspended for one game to start the season.
— There could be an additional cut coming. The 49ers are reportedly going to sign fullback Owen Marecic. He has been a favorite of Harbaugh's since he played for him at Stanford. Harbaugh would not confirm plans to sign Marecic, who was cut by the Cleveland Browns and cleared waivers.
— All of the released players will go on waivers. Those who clear waivers and are eligible to be signed to the team's eight-man practice squad.
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