49ers Deny Report They’ve Made LB NaVorro Bowman Available For Trade

Update:

I stand by my report on Bowman–they can deny all they want..

— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) May 11, 2017

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49ers HC Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have issued a statement, denying that they’ve made LB NaVorro Bowman available for trade, via CSN Bay Area.

“The report that we have been shopping NaVorro Bowman is completely false. From the time we joined the organization, NaVorro has been the consummate professional. It is evident he has been working very hard to prepare for the upcoming season and we have been impressed by what we have already seen on the field. We are looking forward to NaVorro’s future contributions to this team.”

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Michael Lombardi of TheRinger mentioned on the “GM Street” podcast that the 49ers have made it known that veteran LB NaVorro Bowman is available for trade.

“They are definitely doing that,” Lombardi said. “They’ve made it know that if you want him, he’s healthy, that they’ll be willing to move (him).

“Whenever there is a new coaching staff – and this is an Al Davisism — whenever there is a new coaching staff, you have to always know that the teams that hire new coaches are going to get rid of players because they want different players.”

“Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are going to clear out that roster. Bowman is a guy who’s been a leader in the locker room. He’s been part of the team. He had a really good relationship with the old general manager, Trent Baalke, so I think that’s a message they’d send to the locker room that he’s no longer in control any more. He’s available if you want him.”

“I don’t know who’s going to pay him $9.5 million coming off all the injuries that he’s had, but you can have him,” Lombardi said. “I think that ultimately, you have to make that decision, and I don’t think it’ll be a lot. I think the 49ers will get rid of him for very little.”

While Bowman has been an important player for the 49ers’ defense for several years, it’s clear that the new regime is open for business in regards to most of the players they inherited, which includes TE Vance McDonald.

Bowman, 28, is a former third-round pick of the 49ers back in 2010. He’s currently in the second year of his seven-year, $77 million contract that includes $20 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $6.75 million for the 2016 season.

Bowman’s 2016 season came to an end after he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. In total, Bowman appeared in four games and recorded 24 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and two pass defenses.

We’ll have more regarding a potential Bowman trade as the news is available.