SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Quarterback Jeff Garcia was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, ending his five-year tenure with the team.
The 49ers also released two-time Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone in an attempt to get under the salary cap.
Garcia, a three-time Pro Bowler, was unable to agree on a restructured contract with the 49ers, who wanted to reduce his salary from the $9.9 million he was scheduled to earn in 2004.
Instead, San Francisco will save $1.7 million against the salary cap by dropping Garcia, a local product who holds the franchise's single-season record for passing yardage. He has been the 49ers' starter since 1999, but Tim Rattay is expected to take over next season as San Francisco clears room under the salary cap.
The 49ers waited until the last possible day to make their decision, since Garcia was due a $500,000 roster bonus Wednesday — the first day of the free agent signing period. General manager Terry Donahue delayed his expected Monday announcement to hold a last-ditch negotiation session with Garcia's agent, Steve Baker.
Garcia was about to enter the fourth season of a six-year contract. Instead, he becomes one of the most attractive free agents on the market.