49ers general manager John Lynch on Monday wasn’t anticipating any members of his team opting out of the 2020 campaign to avoid the danger of playing football during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin opted out on Wednesday, and two more players chose to sit out just inside of Thursday’s deadline.
Offensive linemen Shon Coleman and Jake Brendel both told the 49ers they’d be sitting out the 2020 season, although neither player’s opt-out officially hit the NFL’s transaction wire Thursday.
Coleman battled leukemia as an 18-year-old and presumably qualifies for as a ‘high-risk’ opt-out. He was going to be in the thick of the battle for the 49ers’ swing tackle job, which he was en route to securing a season ago before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury in the first offensive series of the preseason.
San Francisco acquired Coleman from the Browns in a trade before the 2018 season. He re-signed this offseason on a one-year deal, and should continue to be a factor on their roster next season.
Brendel was an undrafted free agent in 2016 with the Dolphins and signed with the 49ers this offseason. He was going to battle for a roster spot as a versatile offensive lineman. Brendel had three starts in 21 games from 2016-18 with Miami.
Between Coleman, Brendel and Benjamin, the 49ers didn’t lose any starters to opt-outs, but their depth did take a hit. They have a trio of available roster spots now that have not been filled.
[vertical-gallery id=659801]