The San Francisco 49ers don't play the Seattle Seahawks until Sept. 15, but the move-for-move offseason chess match between the two wages on.
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One day after the Seahawksclaimed long snapper Kyle Nelson, released this week by the 49ers, San Francisco on Friday turned around and claimed receiver Charly Martin off waivers. Not moves we'd normally post about, but the transactions emphasize the ongoing off-the-field cold war between these NFC West rivals.
As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle notes, it's possible both players were grabbed to gather intelligence. Gleaning even the smallest detail about the opponent would make a minor roster move in July worth the effort.
Of course, the 49ers also need help at wideout until Michael Crabtree returns from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in May. San Francisco has free agent Austin Collie on the radar, but the addition of Martin fills out the team's 90-man roster heading into training camp.
We doubt Martin makes it to the final 53, but that's not the point. We're still two months away from real football, but these clubs have been at each other's throats all offseason. Sept. 15 can't arrive soon enough.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
