Booting Pro Bowl Punter Andy Lee Was the Right Move for San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers decided not to wait for the long awaited training camp battle pitting veteran punter Andy Lee against the rookie newcomer Bradley Pinion. Instead, the 49ers saw all they needed to see in Pinion and sent Lee packing to the Cleveland Browns for a seventh-round pick in 2017 NFL Draft.

“It has truly been an amazing 11 years with the 49ers organization, and I’m thankful for everything they have done for me,” Lee said in a statement. “San Francisco gave me the opportunity to play in the NFL by drafting me in 2004, and will forever be a special place for me and my family.”

Until now, the three-time Pro Bowler Lee spent his entire 11-year career in San Francisco and is one of the most accomplished punters in 49ers’ history. Lee ranks first in punts (941), yards (43,468), net average (39.5) and punts inside the 20-yard line (300) in franchise history. He was also the longest-tenured member on the team’s roster.

Lee’s trade did not come as much of a surprise to most around the league. The 32-year-old veteran was scheduled to earn a $2 million base salary this season, which most likely prompted San Francisco’s selection of fifth-round pick Bradley Pinion in this year’s draft.

The 6-foot-5 Pinion was the nation’s top punting prospect in this year’s draft for his 41.1 yards per punt, 39.2-yards gross average and 55 punts inside the 20-yard line as a Clemson Tiger. The 21-year-old rookie also comes in at a much smaller price tag of $692,200.

“First thing, what we saw in Bradley is a big, strong-legged punter that also kicks off,” 49ers GM Trent Baalke said.

Pinion’s huge leg was on display during the team’s OTAs last month when the rookie kicker booted punts with hang times greater than five seconds. Pinion is also excepted to handle 40-year-old place kicker Phil Dawson’s kick-off duties next season.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.

Related Link: San Francisco 49ers Draftee Bradley Pinion No Ordinary Punter