Rookie second round pick safety Taylor Mays had a strong showing for the 49ers on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, and was one of the lone bright spots for the team in the crushing loss. Mays was in on eleven tackles and snared a toe-tapping touchdown in the back of the end zone after the 49ers got their hands on a punt. Mays played soft coverage here and there, but ultimately fulfilled the "boom," category in his perceived "boom or bust," status.
Mays only received the starting opportunity after veteran starter Michael Lewis asked for his release from the team after, you guessed it, the 49ers told him that Mays needed to see the field more. Lewis was still penciled in as the starter for Sunday's game, but he cited trust issues with the team and did not make the trip to Atlanta.
On Monday, the 49ers announced that they have released Michael Lewis. "I want to thank Michael for his hard work and leadership as a 49er," said MIke Singletary, according to the team's official Twitter account. The 49ers now have an open roster spot and have not announced a signing thus far.