The simmering flirtation between Eric Wright and the San Francisco 49ers was consummated Thursday.
The 49ers announced they had signed the veteran cornerback to a one-year contract and immediately placed him on the non-football injury/illness list.
The 49ers agreed to acquire Wright via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on July 19, but the deal didn't go through after he failed a physical. On the same day the trade was revealed, news leaked that Wright had been arrested on a DUI charge in July. Now, the 49ers get their man without giving up a conditional draft pick.
Wright was a solid starter with the Detroit Lions two years ago, and he cashed in with a huge free-agent contract in Tampa Bay before a disastrous 2012 season that included a DUI charge, a performance-enhancing drug suspension and poor play. Wright, who was released by the Bucs, potentially faces another NFL suspension for his July arrest on a DUI charge, but he also gives the 49ers another option in a defensive backfield that lost Chris Culliver for the season to a torn ACL.
This move might be a sign that San Francisco is looking to upgrade from Nnamdi Asomugha, who is currently a backup behind starters Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.
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