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NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down the 49ers Free Agents, Cap Casualties in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Cut Candidate No. 3: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks

Veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks is nowhere near the caliber of player he was during a 2013 Pro Bowl season.

At 32 years old, Brooks is also entering the twilight of his career and is a situational pass-rusher at best. Pro Football Focus‘ 49.1 overall grade is an indication of how far he’s fallen in recent seasons.

Releasing Brooks this offseason makes more than enough sense from nearly any perspective. The team would save $7.8 million in cap space, not take a huge dead-money hit and would open up the door for a prospective outside linebacker in 2017.

The only reason Brooks has survived previous cuts is likely because the Niners haven’t had any better options.

Expect that to change this offseason. And Brooks won’t be part of the equation.