Battle agrees to deal with Steelers

Free-agent wide receiver Arnaz Battle has agreed to a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a league source said.

 

The 49ers made no attempt to re-sign Battle, as the club decided to move on with Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Brandon Jones as the team’s top wideouts. Battle had fallen on the team’s depth chart and struggled when his main responsibilities turned to punt returns last season.

 

Battle spent seven seasons with the 49ers. He is expected to be a reserve wide receiver and core special-teams player for the Steelers. He rejoins Al Everest, whom coach Mike Singletary did not invite back to his 49ers’ coaching staff. Everest was hired as Steelers special-teams coordinator.

 

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Veteran tackle Barry Sims is attracting attention from the Redskins and Seahawks in free agency, according to a source. The 49ers would like to retain Sims – at the right price – to be their backup at the left and right tackle positions.

 

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49ERS FREE AGENT TALLY

Signed: QB David Carr (Giants).

Re-signed: LB Matt Wilhelm.

Lost: WR Arnaz Battle (Steelers); T Tony Pashos (Browns); LB Jeff Ulbrich (retired/assistant special teams coach with Seahawks).

Tendered: G David Baas (3rd-round restricted free-agent tender); LB Ahmad Brooks (2nd-round restricted tender); NT Aubrayo Franklin (franchise player).

Remaining free agents: T Barry Sims, CB Dre’ Bly, CB Walt Harris, S Mark Roman.

Non-tendered unrestricted: CB Marcus Hudson, RB Thomas Clayton, K Shane Andrus, K Ricky Schmitt.

 

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