***UPDATE*** The Bills ended up claiming Merriman; the Titans took Moss.
The 49ers are not expected to put in a claim for wide receiver Randy Moss, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The Vikings placed Moss on the waiver wire today. Teams have until 1 p.m. Wednesday to place a claim for the receiver. By virtue of their 2-6 record, the 49ers have the fourth-highest claim this week.
Moss, 33, is a seven-time Pro Bowler who has been perhaps the league's best big-play receiver over the last decade. However, he also has a long history of loafing and of boorish behavior, which apparently included his most recent stint with the Vikings. The Star-Tribune has a brief time line here. Any team that claims Moss also would have to pick up the remainder of his $6.4 million contract this season.
The 49ers also are not believed to be interested in another high-profile player on the waiver wire, linebacker Shawne Merriman, who was released by the Chargers Tuesday. The 49ers already have four outside linebackers on the roster and claimed a fifth, rookie Thaddeus Gibson, on Monday. Singletary on Tuesday lauded starter Manny Lawson, who had his best game of the season Sunday against the Broncos, an outing that included three big hits on Denver quarterback Kyle Orton and a critical forced fumble late in the game.
"There's a light that has gone on for him," Singletary said. "It's come on. We talked about it for a few years, you know, what Manny; I think we talked more about what he's not than what he is and I think he was an exceptional athlete when we got him. And I think sometimes it takes a guy a little time, and for right now, that light has gone on and he's making plays where he's not thinking about it."
Here's the current claim order, which is the inverse of the league standings:
1. Bills.
2. Panthers.
3. Cowboys.
4. 49ers.
5. Broncos.
6. Lions.
7. Vikings.
8. Bengals.
9. Browns.
10. Chargers.
11. Cardinals.
12. Jaguars.
13. Rams.
14. Raiders.
15. Redskins.
16. Seahawks.
17. Bears.
18. Dolphins.
19. Eagles.
20. Texans.
21. Packers.
22. Saints.
23. Titans.
24. Chiefs.
25. Buccaneers.
26. Ravens.
27. Giants.
28. Falcons.
29. Jets.
30. Colts.
31. Steelers.
32. Patriots.
-- Matt Barrows
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.