The 49ers on Friday released defensive end Cassius Marsh, who tied for second on the team last season with 5.5 sacks.
The move to part ways with Marsh coincides with the club’s acquisition of edge rusher Dee Ford in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Marsh was one of the 49ers' primary edge rushers last season, but the club set out at the beginning of the new leauge year in a quest to make an upgrade at that position.
The 49ers are expected to also try to improve their outside pass rush in the draft.
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The 49ers signed Marsh last year to a two-year, $7.7 million contract. He ended up getting paid $3.1 million for the 2018 season. The 49ers picked up a non-binding option on his contract last week.
Marsh released a statement on social media:
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In 68 NFL games since breaking into the league in 2014 with the Seattle Seahawks, Marsh recorded 11.5 sacks. The claimed off waivers on Nov. 22, 2017, after the New England Patriots waived him.