Former Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers safety J.J. Wilcox was close – very close – to signing with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. In fact, he was in the building, and the signing even appeared on the NFL transaction wire. That is about as close as it gets. It was curious that the 49ers did not yet announce the move and now we know why.
Wilcox will not be joining the 49ers. Adam Schefter of ESPN, who reported Tuesday morning that the safety would sign a one-year deal with San Francisco, now reports that Wilcox "got stage fright" and "flipped" his decision to join the team. Wilcox is currently on a flight to New Jersey to sign with the New York Jets.
Former Cowboys' and Steelers' S JJ Wilcox was in 49ers' offices to sign today...and then he "flipped", in word of one source, and decided he wanted to play for HC Todd Bowles. "He got stage fright," said another source. Now Wilcox is on flight to NJ to sign with Jets - if no flip
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2018
The 49ers waived defensive back Trovon Reed on Monday to make room for the signing of Wilcox. The roster spot remains open.