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5 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Cut in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) celebrates scoring a touchdown off an interception during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) celebrates scoring a touchdown off an interception during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Safety Antoine Bethea

Yes, veteran safety Antoine Bethea is one of the few established leaders the 49ers have in the locker room.

Leadership is crucial, especially for a developing team. But Bethea’s presence also potentially hinders the ascendance of other players on the roster — ones in which the Niners have invested heavily.

One such player is second-year safety Jaquiski Tartt, whom the 49ers selected in Round 2 of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Tartt will see an increase in snaps, with fellow safety Eric Reid (bicep) on injured reserve. This should give us a good indication whether or not Tartt is going to be a key figure in coming years. If so, Bethea is in the way.

Bethea, 32 years old, has just one year remaining on his current contract. Releasing him prior to 2017 would cost San Francisco only $1.25 million in dead money but save $5.75 in cap space.

And with the Niners looking to build towards the future, it’s a move that makes perfect sense.