Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The San Francisco 49ers are allowing CB Shawntae Spencer to seek a trade.  Should the 49ers keep Spencer he is due $3.3 million in 2012 and a workout bonus worth $100K.

At the beginning of training camp Spencer was expected to be the starting cornerback. However at the end of the season he was the No. 5 cornerback on the depth chart and he was inactive for the 49ers two playoff games.  Injuries doomed Spencer last season with hamstring injuries in training camp and the preseason, along with a hyperextended toe during the season that caused him to miss several weeks.  Spencer only played in nine games recording 5 tackles.

It’s wise to let Spencer seek a trade because the 49ers have Carlos Rogers (assuming he re-signs), Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver and Traimaine Brock at cornerback. All are better than Spencer.

Spencer was picked by the 49ers in the second round of the 2004 draft.  He had his best season with the 49ers in 2005 with career highs in tackles (83) and interceptions (four), one of which was returned for a touchdown.  With so many other options at cornerback for the 49ers, Spencer is not worth $3.3 million to be a backup.  Hopefully the 49ers can get at least a fifth round draft pick for Spencer.