SANTA CLARA, Calif. (March 1, 2005) -- The San Francisco 49ers terminated defensive end Brandon Whiting 's contract after he failed a physical, cutting ties with the oft-injured defensive end acquired last year in the Terrell Owens trade.
Whiting was sent to San Francisco by the Philadelphia Eagles last March in exchange for Owens, who missed his chance to become a free agent because of a paperwork mix-up.
Whiting played just five games for the 49ers after getting a late start on training camp because of a back injury. He tore a knee ligament in late October and missed the rest of the season.
Whiting was a starter during parts of his six seasons in Philadelphia, with 16½ sacks in 88 games. The 49ers are expected to use a 3-4 defensive alignment next season under new coach Mike Nolan, reducing their need for depth on the defensive line.
