Here’s a statement from general manager John Lynch: “We would like to thank Ahmad for his nine years of service and contributions to the 49ers. In that time, he played a significant role on some formidable defensive units that helped this team achieve great success. We feel good about the depth and competition along our defensive front and believe that by making this decision now it will give Ahmad a head start on exploring his options with other teams. We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
Eli Harold will replace Brooks as the starting strongside outside linebacker, and either Dekoda Watson or Aaron Lynch will replace Brooks as a defensive end on third downs.