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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Niners Cut Defensive Starter

Compiled From Wire Services

Dennis Brown, who started the last three seasons at defensive end, was waived by the San Francisco 49ers to make salary cap room for Johnny Johnson.

The 49ers hope the signing of Johnson, whose two-year, $3 million contract was filed with the NFL on Monday, will give them the running back they’ve needed since the departure of Ricky Watters.

Brown’s $1 million salary made him vulnerable.

After Monday’s announcement, the 49ers said they were $392,000 less than the cap. San Francisco has signed Roy Barker, a free agent from Minnesota, who can play Brown’s position. On Tuesday, the 49ers signed tight end Adrian Cooper from the Vikings.

Steve Beuerlein signed with the Carolina Panthers, becoming the third quarterback on the Panthers’ roster.