San Francisco 49ers

49ers deny report that they're trying to trade NaVorro Bowman

Published May. 11, 2017 2:28 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of issues on defense, so it’d be a surprise to see them shopping one of their best players on that side of the ball. However, on Thursday, a report surfaced from The Ringer that the Niners are open to dealing NaVorro Bowman, their stud linebacker.

Yes, Bowman has dealt with injuries in the past three years, but the 49ers have little reason to trade their starting inside linebacker. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch issued a joint statement denying the report, saying they’re looking forward to Bowman’s future contributions.

https://twitter.com/49ersPR/status/862713069755015168

Bowman played just four games last season before tearing his Achilles, the second significant injury he’s suffered in the past three years. He hasn’t been the same player since tearing his ACL in January 2014, which forced him to miss all of the following season.

The 49ers did draft Reuben Foster, but he’ll be a running mate with Bowman, not a replacement. Having those two at inside linebacker will give the 49ers a formidable duo, which should improve their abysmal run defense from a year ago.

Not to mention, the 49ers have Bowman under contract through 2022 after signing him to a four-year extension last offseason. It seems pretty unlikely that the 49ers would trade their stud linebacker just one year into his contract.