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Fooch's Update #2: Walter Thurmond has signed with the New York Giants.
Fooch's Update: Julian Edelman has re-signed with the New England Patriots.
The San Francisco 49ers have been in the market for some wide receiver and cornerback help, bringing in Chris Cook, Julian Edelman and Walter Thurmond in recent days. The team ended up signing Cook to a 1-year deal, but with it likely down around the league minimum, it does not necessarily preclude another free agent signing.
People have been asking about the Edelman and Thurmond visits, and until recently we did not have new information. Now we do, and if you're a fan of either player, it's not overly exciting.
#Seahawks CB Walter Thurmond has more visits lined up after meeting w/ 49ers Friday, per source. Sounds as if a signing isn't imminent.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) March 15, 2014
Patriots working to get a deal done with WR Julian Edelman. Most likely scenario all along was a return there. Few other options available
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 15, 2014
On Friday, Ian Rapoport tweeted that there was nothing imminent between the 49ers and Edelman, and described it as "more of a feeling process" for both parties. I was a little surprised by the Edelman interest, in part because he does not strike me as fitting the kind of need the 49ers have. He could do some work in the slot and on shorter yardage work, and the 49ers already get plenty on short and intermediate routes from Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. Additionally, Boldin does some of his best work operating out of the slot, so they could use someone a little bigger to put on the outside when they go to three receiver sets, as rare as that can be.
Thurmond could do some very good things as the team's slot corner, but I am starting to think they are more likely to look at the draft to fill that need. Maybe Lamarcus Joyner ends up in such a role. There are a few options they could use, and of course, Eric Wright will compete for the nickel role as well. It wouldn't surprise me if the 49ers drafted a nickel back of the future, and have Wright start in the role.