The San Francisco 49ers release Michael Lewis

The 49ers have released starting strong safety Michael Lewis.  Lewis played in 3 games for the Niners this year and he had 10 tackles.  The 30-year old Lewis played in 50 games in his four years with the 49ers and he had 292 tackles, 13 passes defensed, 4.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.  Rookie second round pick Taylor Mays will replace Lewis as the starter at strong safety and he has a nice upside.  Mays has played in 4 games this year for the Niners and he has 13 tackles and a recovery of a blocked punt that went for a TD.