Braylon Edwards waived by San Francisco 49ers

Braylon Edwards was waived today by the San Francisco 49ers, the former Michigan football standout announced via Twitter and his personal website.

"I was released today by the 49ers due to my injury that required more time to rehab and hasn’t allowed me to re-sync with the offense," Edwards said in a statement. "I wish the 49ers organization the best of luck during the Playoffs. I will be working hard this off season to strengthen my knee and prepare for the 2012 season. Thanks for your continued support and for being such loyal fans."

Braylon Edwards was waived by the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday.

AP Photo

Edwards was expected to be San Francisco's No. 1 receiver entering the season under coach and fellow Michigan alum Jim Harbaugh, but was having a frustrating first year with the 49ers. He battled knee and shoulder problems and had been inactive for two of San Francisco's past three games. He had one reception for five yards in the past five games.

Edwards originally injured his knee against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. He returned four weeks later, but suffered a shoulder injury in his second game back. For the season, Edwards has 15 receptions for 181 yards in nine games with the NFC West champion 49ers (12-3).

The San Francisco Chronicle called the move surprising, considering "the timing and the state of their wide receiving corps which, at the moment, consists of Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn, Kyle Williams and Brett Swain, a three-year veteran who has seven career receptions."

Edwards signed a one-year contract with a base salary of $1 million shortly after the NFL lockout ended. He recently made good on a promise to grant 100 high-achieving Cleveland students $10,000 toward their college education.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.