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
-
Will the 49ers move on from Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan? One NFL insider believes they will not
"The season is lost, but the 49ers are still building around coach and QB." Those are the words of The Athletic's Dianna Russini in her latest NFL column, in which she writes that despite the San Francisco 49ers horrid season, the team is sticking to its plan of committing to... -
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers' 12-6 loss vs. Rams
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Thursday's 12-6 Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Here is what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Dolphins Week 16 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening... -
Kyle Shanahan on 49ers' likely Week 16 starter, Patrick Taylor Jr.: "Big opportunity for him"
The San Francisco 49ers' injury woes continue to mount. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that Patrick Taylor Jr. will "most likely" start at running back in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. The team has ruled out rookie Isaac Guerendo due to a hamstring...