San Francisco 49ers trade punter Andy Lee to Browns

The San Francisco 49ers' roster continued its high turnover this offseason, as today the franchise announced it has traded standout punter Andy Lee to the Cleveland Browns.  In exchange for Lee, the 49ers will receive a 7th round pick in 2017.

Lee became expendable after the team selected punter Bradley Pinion in the fifth round of the 2015 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,” said Andy Lee. “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.”

A four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Lee was originally selected by the 49ers in the sixth round (188th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played in all 176 games over the past 11 seasons, and holds the team records in all major punting categories: punts (941), yards (43,468), gross average (46.2), net average (39.5) and punts downed inside the 20-yard line (300).

“For the last 11 years, Andy has been a tremendous representative of the 49ers organization both on the field and in the community,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “While he may be best known for his production on the field, we have come to know Andy as a great teammate and family man. We would like to thank Andy for his commitment to this organization, while wishing him and his family continued success throughout his career and beyond.”

Lee, 32, ranks fifth in NFL history with a 50.9 gross average, sixth with a 39.5 net average and 11th with 300 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. In 2011, he set the then-NFL single-season record in net punting average (44.0), while his gross average (50.9) ranked third in NFL history. Lee also set the 49ers single-game franchise records in both gross punting average (59.6) and net average (54.2) versus Seattle on September 11, 2011.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services