49ers sign Antoine Bethea to four-year deal
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 11, 2014
AP
San Francisco will swap departed safety
Donte Whitner for a slightly less expensive alternative.
Shortly after
Whitner signed with the Browns for $7 million a year, the 49ers have signed safety
Antoine Bethea to a four-year contract that’s worth between $5 million and $6 million a year, according to several reports.
“Indy it’s been real,” Bethea wrote on Twitter. “Fans and city showed me nothing but love my eight years there and greeted me w/ open arms Appreciate all the support! Glad to be a Niner!! Going to the Bay!”
The 29-year-old Bethea has spent his entire eight-year NFL career in Indianapolis and has started all 16 games for six consecutive seasons. Bethea is the No. 39 player in our
Free Agent Hot 100.
Falcons release Thomas DeCoud
Posted by Josh Alper on March 11, 2014
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In February, there was a report that the Falcons
were prepared to release safety
Thomas DeCoud prior to his salary for the 2014 season becoming guaranteed on March 15.
They didn’t let things get down to the wire. The team announced Tuesday that DeCoud has been released after six seasons with the team.
DeCoud has started all but two games for the Falcons over the last five seasons and made the Pro Bowl after the 2012 season. Like most other players on the Atlanta defense, though, DeCoud’s play slipped during the 2013 season and his $4.2 million base salary made him an easy target for the axe. The move will save the Falcons $3 million under the cap.
DeCoud’s release continues a busy day for the Falcons. They have signed guard
Jon Asamoah, defensive end
Tyson Jackson and defensive tackle
Paul Soliai while re-signing center
Joe Hawley and releasing the retired Tony Gonzalez.