Notable players don't often hit free agency this late into the offseason, but that's the reality for former Indianapolis Colts player.
The San Francisco 49ers chose to shockingly release safety George Odum ahead of the 2025 season.
49ers have released S George Odum, who played in 40 games over three seasons with the team, registering 14 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception, while adding 36 tackles on special teams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 19, 2025
Odum began his career with the Colts as an undrafted free agent. He spent 2018-2021 in Indianapolis, where he appeared in 65 games and logged 12 defensive starts at safety. His main role, however, came on special teams, which led to him being named a first-team All-Pro in 2020. With the Colts, he recorded 150 total tackles and 4 forced fumbles.
The Colts lack safety depth and lost one of their best special teams players this offseason with LB Grant Stuard signing with the Detroit Lions. The combination of those two facts could make Odum an excellent fit to rejoin the team. Where things get tricky, though, is that Odum is currently rehabbing a shoulder injury that required surgery last month. He was placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list by the 49ers and likely won't be ready to return to the field for another six to eight weeks.
So if he were to rejoin the Colts, it most likely wouldn't be until the 2025 season has already started. This will allow the Colts to have their young depth safeties compete in training camp and try and prove to the team that they deserve a roster spot. If players like Daniel Scott, Rodney Thomas, Hunter Wohler, and Trey Washington can't do that, then a familiar face from the team's past, Odum, is sitting there ready for his next opportunity in the NFL.
#49ers special teams standout George Odum, a surprising release earlier today, underwent elbow surgery last month from an offseason injury, source said. He was placed on NFI.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2025
Given a 3-month recovery time, he should be ready 6-8 weeks from now. Likely to sign midseason. pic.twitter.com/R4bvS4IULU
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