49ers insiders offer conflicting jokes about fake player

Daejon Love was one of two people arrested and charged in federal court in Portland, Oregon, after allegedly scamming at least 26 women out of $1.3 million across four states. According to federal authorities, the 35-year-old Love posed as a San Francisco 49ers player as part of the alleged scheme.

With the NFL roster cut-down deadline quickly approaching, 49ers beat writers couldn't resist having a little fun with the bizarre situation. Matt Barrows of The Athletic joked on social media that Love was among the team's roster cuts.

Earlier, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area responded to a fan's question about Love's roster status by writing, "He's a lock. (Or is he just locked up?)"

Love and his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, who posed as Love's financial advisor, allegedly persuaded several women to take out personal loans by telling them the money would be quickly repaid. The scheme, which involved fictitious investment opportunities, dates back to 2022 and allegedly defrauded women in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Love used a fake Instagram profile—which has since been removed from the platform—featuring photos of himself wearing 49ers gear, training, and posing alongside exotic cars.

It's the latest bizarre 49ers-related storyline in what has been an eventful offseason. The team has dealt with strange comments from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has seemingly self-destructed his NFL career, concerns surrounding head coach Kyle Shanahan after his car accident, and 49ers owner Jed York's arrest in Ohio.

Love never actually being a member of the 49ers makes this storyline one of the most unusual of the offseason.