"Antoine is a true professional in every sense and I have a great deal of respect for the way he has gone about his business throughout his career," said 49ers general manager John Lynch via a statement issued by the team. "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. We wish Antoine, and his family, great success in the future."
Bethea joined the 49ers in March of 2014. During his three seasons with the team, Bethea had 318 tackles, five interceptions, 15 passes defended, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He led the team in 2016 with 141 tackles and started all 16 games. Bethea was a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 but had already been to two Pro Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts.
Bethea was set to earn a base salary of $5.25 million in 2017 and count $7 million against the cap in the final season of his 4-year, $21 million contract signed in 2014.
On Tuesday, the 49ers officially released another veteran – WR Torrey Smith. Both Bethea and Smith become free agents and can sign with any NFL team immediately.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the moves give the 49ers more than $99 million in cap space.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addresses the media during training camp
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Saturday's training camp practice. It was the first time he spoke publicly since suffering injuries during a July 14 car accident. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco... -
How Kyle Shanahan helped convince Mike Evans to join the 49ers
Wide receiver Mike Evans spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became a franchise icon and one of the most respected players in team history. That made his decision to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the San Francisco 49ers in free... -
49ers' Fred Warner shares players' reaction to Kyle Shanahan addressing the team
Although San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't been able to take on his full-time duties at the start of training camp, he has remained a visible presence around the facility. As he continues recovering from the injuries he suffered in a July 14 car accident,... -
49ers' Trent Williams climbs in NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings
A fourth San Francisco 49ers player has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list. Twelve-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 40, climbing five spots from his No. 45 ranking in 2025. No. 40 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@49ers OT...