This time, Jon Baldwin cleared waivers.
According to the NFL’s transactions, no club claimed the 2011 first-round pick on Thursday, leaving the 24-year-old wide receiver an unrestricted free agent.
Baldwin was claimed by the Lions on Monday, one day after being waived by the 49ers. However, he failed his physical with Detroit, voiding his prospective employment with the club. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Baldwin appeared to be dealing with left knee pain early in Niners training camp.
If Baldwin is hurt, he now has time to heal. And now, he has the ability to sign with any other club. But any interested club will want to find out for itself whether he’s healthy enough to play. In addition to a physical, he might be subject to a pre-signing workout.
Given his youth and lofty draft standing just three seasons ago, Baldwin could very well find another NFL suitor. Still, no teams were willing to take a chance Thursday, which speaks to the burden now placed upon the former Pitt star. Now, he needs to show he’s healthy, and now, he must convince another club he can be developed.