San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said Tuesday the team continues to mull bringing Eric Wright on board even after the cornerback's failed physical voided a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wright was released by the Bucs on Monday.
"The door is never closed on players," Baalke said of Wright, per the 49ers' official website. "We're going to continue to do our due diligence like we do on all players. With respect to Eric, there's always a possibility that he becomes a Niner at some point, it's just not now."
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Baalke said the team doesn't comment on why a player failed a physical, and he reiterated the 49ers were aware of Wright's recent DUI arrest.
"The Bucs were very forthcoming with the information, and we definitely knew what his status was," Baalke said, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "Our medical staff wasn't convinced he was ready to be put on the field, so we didn't pass him."
Now, instead of giving up a conditional 2014 draft pick to the Bucs, the 49ers simply could sign Wright for the price of a contract.
Wright still is productive at a position where no team can get enough playmakers. The off-the-field concerns and a failed physical are the only reasons he's currently unemployed. If he's ultimately healthy, he won't stay on the street long.
Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra.
