Bethea’s Release Opens Doors at Safety for 49ers

In the 2014 and 2015 drafts, the 49ers selected a pair of hybrid cornerback-safeties in Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt.Each was projected to be valuable to the secondary as a versatile athlete capable of helping at slot corner or safety.Now with the team's release of starting safety Antoine Bethea, both Ward and Tartt could be in the mix for earning a starting spot alongside Eric Reid, the team's No. 1 pick from the 2013 draft.Bethea, 32, asked for his release from the 49ers to explore new opportunities."I think it was a better fit for both parties," Bethea told ESPN's Josina Anderson Tuesday. "I want to take some time to explore my options. I still got some ball left in me."In a statement released to the media, new 49ers general manager John Lynch thanked Bethea for his three years of service to the team and wished him well."We would like to thank him for the positive impact he has had on this team both as a player and as a leader, on and off the field," Lynch said.Bethea's departure frees up about $5.75 million against the cap, reported ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner. That gives the team about $100 million under the salary cap heading into Thursday's first day of the NFL's free agency...