After spending the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the team will officially cut safety George Odum. According to reports, the 49ers are moving from the veteran days after putting him on the active/non-football injury list. Even though he was never a true starter in this league, Odum did notch some honors in his first season with the 49ers. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie free agent, the former Central Arkansas product spent the first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was able to earn First-team All-Pro honors after putting up 55 total tackles, two passes defended and one interception, thanks to multiple injuries he had during that campaign, where he got more playing time. Odum earned his next NFL contract, which allowed him to join the 49ers on a three-year deal and sign a two-year extension last season.
The safety might not be a starter anymore in this league, but he does have something in him to strengthen a team’s secondary. Odum won’t be putting up more than 10 interceptions in one season, but he could be a reliable backup in the right situation. Although the safety did undergo surgery and the team is open to bringing him back once he’s healthy, here are five teams that could intervene.
Breaking: 49ers Cut Former All-Pro George Odum – 5 Possible Destinations
Best Fits
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Ar’Darius Washington to an injury, the Baltimore Ravens could use another replacement until he returns. Odum might not be ready, but it might be safer to get him under a contract as backup. The stakes are high for 2025 draft pick Malakai Starks, so they should put him in the best support with two possible backups.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints were able to upgrade their secondary after having one of the worst units. Since they will likely have a mediocre offense this upcoming season, the Saints are better off strengthening the defensive secondary to force turnovers, thereby giving Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler more playing time. Despite signing Justin Reid, they could be on the verge of releasing Tyrann Mathieu due to cap space and age, so Odum might be a solid temporary replacement to fill the hole on a situational basis.
Dallas Cowboys
After giving Markquese Bell a contract extension, Donovan Wilson is on the hot seat entering the 2025 campaign if he’s still on the team until then. Malik Hooker might be safe, but the Cowboys could use a makeover in their secondary unit when Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland can’t stay healthy. Dallas excels in special teams, and they should add more fuel to that fire with the return of Odum once he’s back to 100%.
Carolina Panthers
Despite signing Trevon Moehrig in an attempt to repair this ugly secondary they had last year, the Panthers could use more depth when they have Nick Scott. Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson are solid contributors, but they must get the same energy from their safeties to destroy the aerial attack. Odum could be a solid rotational safety to make splash plays at the right moment.
Los Angeles Chargers
After having a surprise 2025 playoffs appearance under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers have been able to invest in their secondary department. Benjamin St-Juste and Donte Jackson will only improve if Derwin James and Alohi Gilman can stay healthy. Perhaps, they should add Odum in the mix and pair with Elijah Molden as solid backups to step up in the right situation.
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