The 49ers have not yet responded to our email regarding whether the team knew about cornerback Eric Wright’s recent arrest before trading for his rights from Tampa Bay. But the Niners have issued a statement announcing the trade, and in it G.M. Trent Baalke seems to acknowledge that the organization was aware of Wright’s most recent red flag.
“We are pleased to add Eric to our team,” Baalke said. “As an organization, we have done our due diligence and anticipate Eric working hard to contribute to the 49ers.”
If the Niners didn’t know, they gain nothing by admitting it -- unless they plan to publicly call out the Bucs for duping them.
There’s still a chance the 49ers will opt to ease their way out of this one by flunking Wright on his physical. Indeed, the release from the 49ers expressly points out that, "[f]or the trade to be executed, Wright must pass a physical in the Bay Area next week.”
Don’t be shocked if the 49ers decide that Wright isn’t healthy enough to play for the team.