Several outlets reported Monday afternoon that safety Taylor Mays, a second-round pick from last season, was dealt to the Cincinnati Bengals for an undisclosed draft choice.

Mays started five games last year after making 11 tackles and scoring a touchdown off a blocked punt in Atlanta.

Eventually, he lost his starting job to Reggie Smith and he never seemed to be in favor once coach Jim Harbaugh took over. Mays started training camp as a third-string safety, and then came the news the 49ers were seeking to trade him. He played often in the preseason opener in New Orleans and then not at all Saturday night at Candlestick against the Raiders. It's possible the 49ers did not want to risk an injury before consummating the deal with Cincinnati.

When 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned safeties Monday, he never said a word about Mays.

Smith-Edwards chemistry: Quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Braylon Edwards had a good connection in the first half Saturday. Smith targeted Edwards for three passes - he dropped one; made one diving, one-handed grab for 32 yards; and caught another for 14 yards, including a determined run after the catch.

Both players say they're determined to make their relationship work.

"We've been working together, watching a little film and doing things of that nature," Edwards said. "We think it could lead to some promising things in the future."

In addition to working on routes after practice, the two watch film together on off days.

Notes: Wide receiver Dominique Zeigler practiced Monday for the first time since he tore the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 30 against Arizona. ... With starter Andy Lee sore from a hip injury sustained Saturday night, the 49ers signed punter Sam Paulescu. They also released kicker Fabrizio Scaccia and former CCSF and Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. ... Fangio said cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Tarell Brown are not only battling for roster spots but also for starting jobs with veteran Carlos Rogers and Shawntae Spencer.