Jennings out; Smith in at right tackle

The 49ers added a fourth Smith to the roster today, as they agreed to terms on a two-year contract with veteran offensive tackle Marvel Smith, a league source said.

Meanwhile, the 49ers announced the release of offensive tackle Jonas Jennings.

 

Jennings was released after being on the team’s roster for four years of his seven-year, $36 million contract that he signed on the first day of free agency in 2005. Injuries limited Jennings to just just 23 games during his time with the 49ers.

 

He was scheduled to earn $4.2 million in base salary this season. His release, which has been reported for several weeks, saves the 49ers $716,000  $3.108 million in cap room this season. (Sorry, my math was horrible. Jennings’ cap figure for 2009, had he remained on the roster, was $6.592 million. Now, he’ll count $3.484 million in “dead money.” The difference is $3.108 million, which is what the 49ers save with this move.)

 

Smith is slated to take over at right tackle. Jennings opened the 2008 season at right tackle before a shoulder injury ended his year after two games.

 

Smith played the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers. He is an Oakland native who played his prep ball at Skyline High. Smith is slated to play right tackle for the 49ers. He played right tackle his first three seasons in the league before moving to the left side. Smith was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team in 2005.

 

“I’m really excited about going back home and playing for the 49ers in front of my friends and family,” Smith said. “It can’t get much better than that.”

 

A source said the two-year deal could earn Smith just under $10.5 million. Back problems have limited Smith to just 17 games the past two seasons. There are clauses in the contract to protect the 49ers against injuries.

 

The 49ers did not confirm the contract agreement, and Smith’s agent, Ken Zuckerman, was not immediately available for comment.

 

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Marvel gives the 49ers four Smiths. Alex, Justin and Reggie are the others.

 

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