The San Francisco 49ers have been busy in free agency thus far and the team made yet another move on Thursday morning when they announced the releasing of veteran cornerback Shawntae Spencer. The 30-year-old Spencer was drafted by the team in 2004 and appeared in 98 games over the years, including nine this past season. Adam Schefter of ESPN has the news via Twitter:
49ers announced they have released CB Shawntae Spencer.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2012
Spencer had developed into a top-tier cornerback just a few seasons ago while serving as a starter for the 49ers, but an injury early in this past season cost him his job, opening the door for Tarell Brown. Between Spencer turning 31 in a few months and already having a solid secondary in place, it did not make sense for San Francisco to bring him back for a few more seasons.
"The 49ers would like to thank Shawntae for his eight years of service to the organization and the Bay Area community," said 49ers General Manger Trent Baalke. "He has always represented himself, his family and this organization with the utmost class. We wish him, and his family, the very best."
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