The 49ers used this year's first-round pick to select Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey, who could be viewed as the eventual replacement for veteran tackle Joe Staley on the left side of the offensive line and competition for the right tackle job.
Or maybe not.
An unverified trade rumor surfaced on Thursday involving the 49ers, Brown, and another team.
Chance Dickman of KSBY-TV reported that the 49ers were working on a deal to send Brown to the Denver Broncos. Of course, the report stated that it would be in exchange for a second-round pick. If the 49ers were able to obtain a second-round pick in exchange for Brown, they would likely take it and count their blessings.
It seems unlikely the 49ers would be able to swindle Broncos general manager John Elway out of a second-round pick for Brown, but there may be some truth to the rumor.
Brown injured his shoulder during practice on Thanksgiving Day last year. While he came back and played against the Chicago Bears during Week 13, the injury did not go away. Brown missed the final four games of the season and landed on injured reserve.
More rumors supporting the potential for a trade surfaced following the selection of McGlinchey. Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst reported that the 49ers selected the Notre Dame tackle because Brown reported to the offseason program out of shape and the team has concerns about his recovery.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Thursday night that Brown would be out until training camp, which will begin at the end of July. He did not indicate that the 49ers have or are working on plans to move the tackle. Of course, if they were, it is unlikely the team would discuss it.
"I have not spoken with [Brown]," Shanahan said. "And his status on this team is that he's on our team. I'm glad we have some competition, some very good competition. I'm glad we were able to sign [Garry Gilliam] too, to add some.
"And when Trent gets back here in training camp, I think it's going to be a heck of a battle, and I think it's going to be a good problem for the 49ers to have."
Given the rumors, general manager John Lynch was asked if the 49ers would be open to trading Brown, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
"You know, you never say never," he answered. "Right now, we're pleased to have great competition at that spot."
The second round of the draft kicks off tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. PT.
H/T to Patrick Tulini for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Report: Brock Purdy joins 49ers for start of offseason program; George Kittle does not
The biggest question heading into the start of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program on Tuesday has been answered: Would Brock Purdy show up amid ongoing contract extension talks? According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Purdy... -
Christian McCaffrey has no restrictions as 49ers begin offseason program
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey appeared in just four games last season, beginning and ending the 2024 campaign on injured reserve. Achilles tendinitis delayed his season debut until Week 10, and a PCL knee injury ended his season in Week 13 against the... -
George Kittle reports to 49ers for offseason program
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle rejoined his teammates in Santa Clara on Friday to participate in the team's offseason program that began earlier in the week. There was speculation that Kittle's absence at the start might be contract-related, as the tight end enters... -
49ers begin offseason program today
The San Francisco 49ers are among eight NFL teams kicking off Phase One of their offseason program today, just two days before the 2025 NFL Draft. This initial two-week phase won't include any on-field practices, as it's limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and...