Offensive tackle Shon Coleman joined Travis Benjamin as the only 49ers to opt out of the 2020 season amid coronavirus concerns.
For the third straight season, Shon Coleman will not play a snap for the 49ers, not after joining wide receiver Travis Benjamin and center Jake Brendel to opt out via the NFL’s clause for coronavirus concerns.
More important for the 49ers’ sake, those were the only two known players to opt out before Thursday’s 1 p.m. deadline, so, for instance, George Kittle did not use that as an end-all deadline in his ongoing contract negotiations.
Coleman and Brendel informed the 49ers of their decision and will show up on Friday’s transaction wire, a league source confirmed.
Coleman figured to contend as the 49ers’ top backup behind starting offensive tackles Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey. The 49ers’ next-best options include Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill and rookie Colton McKivitz.
Acquired in a 2018 trade from the Cleveland Browns, Coleman did not suit up any game that season, then he sustained a lower-leg injury in last year’s exhibition opener to cast him onto season-ending injured reserve. Coleman re-signed in March on a one-year, $962,000 deal.
Coleman overcame acute lymphoblastic leukemia as an 18-year-old, and thus he classifies as a high-risk opt out eligible for a $350,000 stipend.
