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49ers Release CB Carlos Rogers, Add S Antoine Bethea, Backup QB Blaine Gabbert

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers have released cornerback Carlos Rogers after three seasons, an expected cost-cutting move as the NFL's free agency period begins.

Also Tuesday, kicker Phil Dawson announced on his Twitter page he had re-signed with the team as planned while free agent safety Donte Whitner appeared headed to the Cleveland Browns.

Safety Antoine Bethea also announced on Twitter he had signed with the 49ers, saying, "Glad to be a Niner!! Going to the Bay!!!"

San Francisco also acquired quarterback Blaine Gabbert from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick this year and a conditional pick next season, apparently finding a capable backup for Colin Kaepernick.

The Jaguars made the announcement Tuesday at the start of free agency.

With Rogers' departure, San Francisco will clear $5.1 million in salary cap room.

The 32-year-old Rogers, who missed time late in the season with a strained right hamstring, had 47 tackles and two interceptions last season. The veteran defender might have stayed if he took a pay cut. Rogers received a $31.3 million, four-year contract in March 2012 and was due to earn $6.6 million in 2014.

The 49ers announced they tendered one-year contracts to restricted free agent tight end and defensive tackle Demarcus Dobbs and exclusive rights free agent linebacker Michael Wilhoite.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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