Update: The 49ers have officially announced Wright’s retirement. He said in a statement he lost the passion for the game.
The decision by Eric Wright to not attend minicamp likely won't affect the San Francisco 49ers too much, even though the cornerback position is one of great flux.
Wright, who is considering retirement, would likely be a rotational player anyhow. It was a bit of a surprise when the 49ers re-signed Wright to a low one-year deal in March. He only played in seven games last season, and it appeared the 49ers' coaching staff didn't have much trust in him down the stretch.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said on Tuesday that he thought Wright was heading toward retirement, and the seven-year veteran wasn't present as the team opened its mandatory minicamp.
The 49ers have several cornerbacks vying to make the team and Wright was one of them. Again, he wasn't expected to be a core player. His absence gives players such as Darryl Morris, Perrish Cox and rookie Ken Acker a better chance of getting valuable reps in during minicamp and training camp.
The 49ers could also add on a player at the spot, as well. Harbaugh wouldn't comment on whether the team had interest in Brandon Flowers, who was recently cut by Kansas City. As is policy, Harbaugh wouldn't bite.
Flowers is a fine player, but I'm not sure the 49ers want to spend what it would take to get him. Plus, Flowers is 5-foot-9 and the 49ers are moving toward bigger cornerbacks.
