Browns Trading 2017 7th Rd Pick To 49ers For P Andy Lee

Update:

The San Francisco 49ers announced that they’ve traded P Andy Lee to the Browns in return for a 2017 seventh-round selection.

“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.”

“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. Thank you to the York family, my teammates, the coaches, the football staff and the Faithful for your support over the years. It’s been a great time!”

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing league sources, reports that the Browns are trading a seventh-round pick in 2017 to the 49ers in return for P Andy Lee.

• Schefter points out that the 49ers decision to select Clemson punter Bradley Pinion in the fifth-round of this year’s draft made it clear that Lee’s time in San Francisco was coming to an end.

Cleveland had Spencer Lanning as their No. 1 punter, so Lee figures to be an upgrade for them as they prepare to head into training camp.

Lee, 32, still has another four years remaining on his seven-year, $21.6 million contract that included $3.6 million guaranteed. He’ll make base salaries of $2.05 million (2015), $2.833 million (2016), $3.433 million (2017), and $4.134 million (2018) over the next four years.

According to OverTheCap.com, trading Lee will free up $1.55 million in available cap space while creating $1 million in dead money.

In 2014, Lee appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers, totaling 3,033 punt yards, seven touchbacks and a net punting average of 46.8, which was good enough for No.4  in the league.

Pro Football Focus has Lee rated as the No. 11 punter out of 41 qualifying players.