Cap savings induce San Francisco to release receiver J.J. Stokes

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- The San Francisco 49ers released receiver J.J Stokes on Monday, ending a nine-year relationship with the former first-round draft pick who no longer fit into their plans.
Stokes, who lost his starting job to Tai Streets early last season, was cut in a move that will save the Niners $2.25 million against the salary cap.
"Stokes' large salary was an easy target. He had just 32 receptions during an ineffective 2002 season while Streets blossomed in his place. It was the third time in four years that Stokes caught 34 passes or fewer since he signed a lucrative deal in 1999 that included a $4.5 million signing bonus.
Stokes, the 10th player selected in the 1995 draft, finished his 49ers career ninth in team history with 327 receptions. He also had 4,139 yards receiving and 30 touchdowns in 111 games.
General manager Terry Donahue previously gave Stokes permission to seek a trade. It was apparent for months the 49ers would release Stokes after June 1 so the cap hit could be pushed back to 2004.
The 49ers also released defensive tackle Junior Bryant, almost three years after he last played.
Bryant suffered a career-ending neck injury during the third game of the 2000 season, just seven months after he signed a seven-year deal. Because of salary-cap considerations, the Niners carried Bryant on the reserve/physically unable to perform list the past two seasons. His release will save the team $655,000 against the cap.
DeMingo Graham, an offensive guard who started 11 games last year with the Houston Texans, was signed Monday.
Graham (6-3, 310) spent his first three NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he started 27 games, before moving to Houston.