49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was in a bind Friday when asked about the team’s interest in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
At the time of his press conference after Friday’s practice, only reports had surfaced of Beckham’s impending release and the Browns announced he’d be released, but no official move had been made. That left Shanahan in a spot where he couldn’t comment on Beckham, but he appeared to show interest in the 29-year-old receiver.
“Yeah, everyone’s big fans of his,” Shanahan said. “I don’t know anyone who’s not.”
The 49ers have been interested in Beckham prior to his release from Cleveland. They were also in the mix when the Giants traded him to the Browns before the 2019 draft. It’s not a surprise they would at least kick tires on another playmaker, even if their offense already has a number of them.
Perhaps the biggest question with Beckham on waivers is whether a team will put a claim on him. His contract would cost the claiming club $7.25 million this season. He’s also set to hit free agency after the season. It would take some maneuvering for the 49ers to fit Beckham under the cap this season. According to Over the Cap they have $3.39 million in salary cap room.
That means San Francisco would likely hold off and see if he clears waivers and then try to sign him at a discounted price. It won’t be easy considering the number of suitors he’ll likely have, but the 49ers will surely be among them. Shanahan might’ve even said as much had his release been official by the time he spoke with reporters.
