It was assumed that NFL teams would steer clear of Foster until the legal process plays out. Shanahan, like most of the media and fans, was surprised to see a team gamble on the troubled linebacker.
"I was a little surprised," Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. "Not at the team in particular but that someone did (claim him)."
Foster was the second draft pick of the Shanahan era and figured to be a prominent defensive player for the foreseeable future. Does losing a player that important to the future success of the franchise and who was liked within the locker room take anything away from the players who remain?
"The team is made up of a bunch of people, so it's got to be a lot of people feeling that way for me to personally feel it," Shanahan responded. "I'm sure it's affecting a few guys like that, but I haven't felt a difference in our team meetings, being around the guys. I know it's tough for the guys, and the guys were disappointed in it, but we'll see how this plays out. But, no, I haven't felt that."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Analyst: 49ers a team to watch out for in the NFC
Former NFL linebacker and current NFL Network analyst Manti Te'o delivered a warning to the rest of the league this week: don't overlook the San Francisco 49ers in 2026. While the 49ers aren't widely viewed as favorites to win the NFC West, Te'o believes they remain one of the... -
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender... -
NFL execs: 49ers could use in-season Mac Jones trade to bolster roster
The San Francisco 49ers never seriously entertained the idea of trading quarterback Mac Jones, especially after he stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy last season and helped keep the offense on track. However, with Jones entering the final year of his contract, 2026 could... -
49ers defense ranks among NFL's least expensive units in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers head into the 2026 season with approximately $72 million in salary cap space, the most in the NFL by a wide margin, according to OverTheCap.com. The next-closest team, the Tennessee Titans, has nearly $50 million in available cap space. However, much of...