The San Francisco 49ers officially released safety Michael Lewis on Monday.

"I want to thank Michael for his hard work and leadership as a 49er," head coach Mike Singletary said in a statement released by the team. "We wish him and his family all the best."

Lewis totaled 392 tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks, and 3 three interceptions during his 50-game career with the 49ers, which began as a free agent signee in 2007. Lewis was seeing diminished playing time this season, which prompted him to request his release from the team late last week.

The 49ers have named 2010 second-round pick Taylor Mays the starting strong safety going forward.

The 6-1, 222-pound Lewis began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, who chose him in the second round (58th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Colorado. Overall, Lewis has 678 tackles, 10.5 quarterback sacks and 12 interceptions during his career.