49ers release high-priced backup OT Gilliam

The 49ers released Garry Gilliam on Wednesday, which was an unsurprising move given the backup offensive tackle's contract. Gilliam, 28, was scheduled to earn a $4.5 million base salary and count $5.05 million against the salary cap in 2019, which was the final season of the two-year extension he signed in 2018. None of Gilliam's 2019 base salary was guaranteed. Gilliam made one start in his two seasons with the 49ers. Last year, he played 84 offensive snaps while backing up Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey. In 2017, Gilliam sustained a knee injury in his lone start and spent the final eight games on injured reserve. "We would like to thank Garry for his contributions to the team the last two seasons," general manager John Lynch said.