The San Francisco 49ers are looking to free up some more salary cap room, according to Michael Lombardi of The Athletic. That isn't surprising. It is a bit of a shock that Lombardi states that the team is open to trading several of its players. They include pass rusher Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, and safety Jaquiski Tartt, per the report.
From talking to teams around the league 49ers want to clean up some cap issues and have made Dee Ford and Kwon Alexander along with Goodwin and Tartt available for trade. Will they get takers? Not sure but all four names are on the available list for the right price.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) April 20, 2020
We already knew the 49ers were willing to trade Goodwin, per a previous report. The other names are new ones. Ford and Alexander joined the team last offseason. San Francisco traded a second-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Ford and signed Alexander as a free agent.
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That would be quite the overhaul for a defense that was among the best in the league last year. The unit ranked No. 2 in total yards allowed, No. 1 against the pass, and No. 8 in points allowed.
Alexander recently restructured his contract, freeing up some salary-cap space, so the inclusion of his name is curious. Although, he does still have hefty salaries in future years.
The 49ers currently own the No. 13 and No. 31 overall picks, along with five other selections in the backend of the draft. The team lacks a pick between rounds one and five, and a report on Monday morning states that it would be willing to trade down from either or both of its first-round selections.
Rumors and smokescreens typically emerge during the week leading to the draft, making it difficult for fans to know what to believe. We'll have to wait to see how (or if) this develops.