SAN FRANCISCO – Safety Antoine Bethea has finalized his new $23 million, four-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, becoming a key new presence in the secondary after Donte Whitner's departure to the Cleveland Browns.
The team made the announcement Wednesday. Bethea announced Tuesday on Twitter he had joined the 49ers.
The 29-year-old Bethea had 110 tackles, two interceptions and a sack last season, his sixth straight year starting every game for the Indianapolis Colts.
San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke calls Bethea "a durable, experienced player who has competed at a high level throughout his career in the National Football League."
A two-time Pro Bowler, Bethea was a sixth-round draft pick by the Colts out of Howard in 2006.
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Online:
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
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