49ers free agency: Grading each opening-wave move by John Lynch
By Peter Panacy
John Lynch, 49ers signing George Odum
San Francisco 49ers. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Safety. George Odum. B+. 42
Guess what? Another special teams addition.
Late in the week, news broke the Niners were adding a one-time first-team All-Pro safety. And while that buzz could be exciting in itself, it’s not the kind of safety impact you’d expect.
Veteran safety George Odum, who spent the last four years with the Indianapolis Colts, has started only 10 games over his career and primarily served as a special teams ace.
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But if you’ve learned anything about San Francisco’s NFL free agency moves this offseason, special teams are taking a lot of priority.
Odum was an All-Pro in 2020 when he served as that kind of third-phase ace. And while he might be called upon to stockpile the defensive depth within the backfield anyway, his signing will surely indicate a desire to bulk up the 49ers’ special teams deficiencies from recent years.
Three years at nearly $11 million might be a lot for Odum, but it’s still good news the Niners aren’t overlooking the need to invest here.
Next. 49ers' 15 best free-agent acquisitions of all time. dark