The 49ers made a trio of roster moves Friday as their roster continues to take shape early in the 2019 season. The team announced the release of defensive lineman Cassius Marsh, and the re-signing of linebacker Mark Nzeocha. They also officially announced safety Antone Exum Jr.’s return, which was reported Thursday.
Marsh had 5.5 sacks last season as the 49ers’ primary pass rusher off the edge. Most of his production came against the Raiders and Bears though, with 4.5 of his sacks coming in those two games. The 26-year-old’s snaps were due to be taken by newly-acquired edge rusher Dee Ford. This also further confirms that San Francisco is likely to take another edge rusher early in April’s draft. That would’ve pushed Marsh even further down the depth chart.
Nzeocha inked a three-year deal to return to San Francisco. He was a vital piece of the special teams unit for the 49ers last season, and nearly made the Pro Bowl at that spot thanks to a tidal wave of votes from his home country of Germany. He posted 1.0 sacks, 22 tackles and a forced fumble last season. He played about 16 percent of the defensive snaps as a SAM linebacker, but led the team in special teams snaps at a touch over 76 percent.
Exum’s return gives the 49ers flexibility in the back end of their secondary. He started seven games a season ago and can play both safety spots. He signed a one-year contract.
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