The San Francisco 49ers have cut ties with cornerback Nate Clements.
Clements confirmed on his Twitter account that the 49ers have released him. The 10-year veteran started every game for the team during a disappointing 6-10 campaign last season.
Clements returned in 2010 after missing the final nine games in 2009, when he broke his right shoulder blade in the Niners' 18-14 loss at Indianapolis on Nov. 1 that year.
San Francisco had been eager to see more big plays from Clements last season after giving him an $80 million, eight-year contract in March 2007.
But he appeared to have lost a step and struggled with quick receivers, which caused him to become a target for fan abuse.
The move clears salary-cap space to allow the 49ers to sign free agents. Teams can't officially announce that they have waived players until later Thursday.
CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco also reports that the team is planning for life without free agent nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin.
Defensive end Isaac Sopoaga has been informed that he will be move to nose tackle.
