Nate Clements has been informed he will be released this week by the San Francisco 49ers, reports Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. The move will clear $15 million of cap space for the Niners, who are reportedly chasing star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who is leaving the cross-bay rival Oakland Raiders.
Nate Clements Told He Will Be Released By 49ers, Says Report
The 31-year-old Clements, a one-time Pro Bowler at cornerback, has spent the past four season in San Francisco. He’s started all 16 games in seven of his 10 NFL seasons, including last year. He’d signed an eight-year, $80 million deal with the Niners in 2007, at the time making him the highest paid defensive player ever. That deal included $22 million guaranteed.
Clements' cornerback partner over the last two seasons, Shawntae Spencer, is under contract for one more season. San Francisco did pick up two defensive backs in the draft: Chris Culliver out of South Carolina at No. 80 overall and Curtis Holcomb of Florida A&M at No. 250 overall.
The Niners are believed to be battling the New York Jets and Houston Texans for Asomugha.
For more on the 49ers, visit Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area. For full 2011 NFL free agency coverage, see our section.
See More:
