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The Niners have been very busy this past week, adding talent on both sides of the ball. With the additions of defensive players Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander, and others, the team has released defensive end, Cassius Marsh, to make room for the new additions. In addition to releasing Marsh, the 49ers have brought back linebacker Mark Nzeocha, and re-signed DB Antone Exum Jr. to a one-year deal.
Last season, Marsh recorded 5.5 sacks along with 38 tackles as a rotational pass-rusher for the 49ers. Known for his round-house kick sack celebration, Marsh was becoming a fan-favorite on and off the field. Marsh announced his own release first with a vague tweet:
“I got my money and I was gone!!!” ??? but in all seriousness Goodbye and good luck @49ers pic.twitter.com/HbTzTrGeeO
— Cassius Marsh (@KingCash_7191) March 15, 2019
Nzeocha was a stud on special teams for the Niners last season. Selected to the Pro-Bowl for special teams, Nzoecha proved to have a big impact in an area where the Niners needed it.
Exum Jr. (6-0, 219), a five-year veteran, originally joined the 49ers after signing with the team on November 7, 2017. Throughout his career (2014-18), he has played in 44 games (10 starts) and registered 58 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception (returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and seven passes defensed. Last season with San Francisco, Exum Jr. appeared 15 games (seven starts) and registered career highs in tackles (37), passes defensed (seven), interceptions (one, which was returned for a touchdown) and sacks (1.0), while adding one forced fumble.
Because of the team’s flurry of moves to improve the top-end of the roster, Marsh, as well as other depth and rotational players, could be in jeopardy of being cut throughout the next few months.