The San Francisco 49ers may be attempting to clear something of a logjam along the interior of their defensive line during the waning hours before the 2019 NFL Draft.
According to a report Thursday afternoon from The MMQB's Albert Breer, the Niners are shopping defensive tackle Arik Armstead:
Two players on fifth-year options that have been part of trade discussions—Philly's Nelson Agholor and San Francisco's Arik Armstead. Both players could be had for a price. But neither will be given away, since each would be part of their team's comp-pick equation in 2020. As for the other defensive lineman in San Francisco, Solomon Thomas, there's optimism he'll be a better fit playing in a new scheme under first-year line coach Kris Kocurek, so I think it's much less likely he'd be moved.
Earlier in the day, Pro Football Talk reported Thomas was also on the trade block. Thomas, who is still on his rookie contract, would likely be easier to move, given the fact Armstead is owed over $9 million, fully guaranteed, on his fifth-year option. Still, Armstead could still offer a defensive-lacking team a lot, in terms of up-front production.
The question now is whether or not the 49ers are actually seriously interested in moving either player. It's possible general manager John Lynch is attempting to clear room ahead of the team's first pick in the draft, which is slated for the No. 2 overall spot. Both the Armstead and Thomas rumors have lead to speculation the Niners will take Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who is arguably the second best prospect in this year's class behind Ohio State EDGE Nick Bosa.
Whether or not Bosa, who has widely been mocked to San Francisco, will be available with the second pick is almost entirely contingent on what the top-drafting Arizona Cardinals do at No. 1 overall.
If Williams ends up being the 49ers' pick, it wouldn't be shocking to see either Thomas or Armstead dangled out on the trade block a little further.
Exactly how much the Niners get in return, or whether either player could be used as part of a draft trade-up package, remains anyone's guess.
The 2019 NFL Draft officially kicks off on Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
