CSN Bay Area

The Seattle Seahawks cut two high-priced players on Friday for a total cap savings of $12.8 million.

One was a key figure in recent Seattle victories over the 49ers, while the other had virtually no impact on the NFC West rivalry.

Oft-injured wide receiver Sidney Rice failed his physical and was released, the Seahawks announced. Over the past two seasons, Rice caught just four passes for 59 yards in three games he suited up against the 49ers. He had one catch for 13 yards against the 49ers last season in Week 2, and then was lost for the season in October due to a torn ACL. His release saves Seattle $7.3 million.

Defensive lineman Red Bryant, who was released at a cap savings of $5.5 million, had a much-larger contribution against the 49ers. Bryant blocked a field-goal attempt in the 2012 late-season game in Seattle that led to Richard Sherman’s 90-yard return in a blowout victory.

And in both games last season in Seattle, Bryant’s run defense was a major factor in the 49ers’ inability to get anything going on the ground. In two games in Seattle combined, 49ers running back Frank Gore rushed for just 30 yards on 20 attempts.

Bryant was outstanding in both of those games in Seattle, including the NFC Championship game. He played 28 snaps in the game -- entirely on run downs -- and recorded three tackles, including a tackle for a loss.