No deal: Wright fails physical with 49ers
Cornerback Eric Wright failed his physical with the San Francisco 49ers, voiding the trade that would have sent him to the NFC champions from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The pending trade was voided and Wright's contract rights were returned to the Buccaneers, who released the veteran later Monday.
49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh declined to provide specifics as to what part of the physical Wright failed, if the team was aware of his recent arrest on a drunk driving charge before the trade was agreed to or whether San Francisco will attempt to sign Wright as a free agent.
"The information is he didn't pass his physical. He's not on the team," said Harbaugh. "Really, the better guy to talk to is (general manager) Trent (Baalke). He's got a clear understanding of this specific transaction. So I'll defer to him on that."
Wright played one season in Tampa Bay after signing as a free agent. The Buccaneers gave him a five-year, $37.5 million deal. He played in 10 games, finishing with 37 tackles, seven passes defensed and one interception. He was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy and arrested on suspicion of DUI.
After the season, he agreed to restructure his deal, taking a significant pay cut.
The Buccaneers landed star cornerback Darrelle Revis in the offseason in a trade with the New York Jets but still lack depth at that position. Rookie Johnthan Banks is likely to start along with Revis.
The 49ers aren't shorthanded without Wright. Already San Francisco takes to camp this group: returning veterans Tramaine Brock, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver and Carlos Rogers, plus free agent signee Nnamdi Asomugha.
Harbaugh also said it's a "possibility" the team could re-sign Lowell Rose, who was released last week.
Wright fell to the second round of the 2007 draft after experiencing off-the-field issues while he played at USC. He transferred to UNLV and played one year there before being drafted.
Wright was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. He also played for the Detroit Lions in 2011 for one season before signing with the Bucs. In 85 NFL games, he has 360 tackles, 70 passes defensed and 14 interceptions.
