The situation changed on Tuesday when the Bengals waived McKinley after the defender failed his physical, making him available again.
"I was told today that Take failed his physical," Shanahan said, "and I know we put in a claim last time. I don't think that's until tomorrow at 1 (pm PT), but I know we plan on putting another claimer in."
Last week, in addition to the Bengals and 49ers, the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders put in claims. While San Francisco currently sits at No. 12 in the waiver wire order, the Browns sit at No. 17 and the Raiders are at No. 26. If the same three teams each put in claims again, he will be awarded to the 49ers.
The Falcons drafted McKinley out of UCLA with the No. 26 overall pick in 2017. He has registered seven tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed through four games and 85 snaps this season.
There was also a report that the 49ers had inquired about former New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker. Shanahan said he has not had any discussions with the team yet about the possibility, which doesn't necessarily mean San Francisco hasn't inquired.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers cornerback plan: Draft, free agency, and the Renardo Green scenario
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 off-season with a clear mandate: solidify their secondary, particularly at the cornerback position. Recent trade rumours involving Renardo Green come as a surprise, but if true, they highlight an immediate need as the team evaluates how... -
49ers expected to hire Angel Matute to Kyle Shanahan's coaching staff
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to hire Angel Matute, the offensive line coach from Kent State, to their coaching staff. "[Matute] was key in Kent State cutting its sacks allowed total from 43 in 2024 to 27 last season," Zenitz... -
49ers predicted to add WR Alec Pierce in free agency
Several impending free-agent wide receivers have already been linked to the San Francisco 49ers, a team expected to address the position aggressively this offseason. Wide receiver has become a significant area of need for the 49ers, who are widely expected to move on from... -
49ers expected to target Super Bowl-winning cornerback in free agency
Speculation surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' secondary intensified at the NFL Scouting Combine after Dan Graziano and Ben Solak of ESPN reported that the team could explore a trade involving starting cornerback Renardo Green. Graziano estimated there is an 80% chance the...