The San Francisco 49ers released linebacker Ahmad Brooks on Friday after nine seasons with the team.The 49ers were unsuccessful in finding a trade partner for the 33-year-old Brooks. The team will save about $6 million in salary cap space by cutting Brooks, who was entering the final year of a six-year, $40.4 million deal.Brooks, who either led or tied for the 49ers’ team lead in sacks every season since 2013, was battling with third-year player Eli Harold for the starting strong-side linebacker spot. Harold, 23, started the most recent preseason game against the Denver Broncos.”We would like to thank Ahmad for his nine years of service and contributions to the 49ers,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said in a statement. “In that time, he played a significant role on some formidable defensive units that helped this team achieve great success. We feel good about the depth and competition along our defensive front and believe that by making this decision now it will give Ahmad a head start on exploring his options with other teams. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Brooks came to the 49ers in 2008 after being claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 31, 2008.A two-time All-Pro (2012-13) and Pro Bowl (2013-14) selection, Brooks appeared in 120 games (92 starts) and registered 439 tackles, 51.5 sacks, 28 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions (one touchdown) with San Francisco. His total sacks as a member of the 49ers rank third in franchise history.Brooks started in all eight postseason contests in which he appeared for the 49ers, recording 45 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble. His postseason sacks with San Francisco are tied for the second-most in the team’s postseason history.
