Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, citing a “person informed of the Bucs thinking,” reports that Tampa Bay is interested in trading for 49ers G Alex Boone.
- Rapoport adds that there has been no conversations between the two teams up to this point, but the front office has touched base with a number of teams to discuss available options.
- According to Rapoport, the Buccaneers “preferred option” would be to build from within.
The Buccaneers make plenty of sense as a potential trade partner for Boone as they currently have Oniel Cousins and Jamon Meredith projected to be their starting guards.
Boone is unhappy with his current deal and is hoping to secure a new contract that would pay him a more competitive salary in line with what starting guards are making around the NFL.
As things stand right now, Boone’s average salary would make him the 43rd highest paid guard in the league.
San Francisco did freed up some extra cap space in recent weeks, but they have shown a willingness to negotiate with players who actually attend camp and not holding out, which is something that could work against Boone.
Boone, 27, is entering the fourth year of a five-year deal and is slated to make $2 million for the 2014 season. He currently counts $2.6 million against the cap next season.
Boone moved from tackle to guard two seasons ago and it paid off in a big way for the 49ers, as he graded out as the No. 3 guard in the 2012 season according to Pro Football Focus. However, he regressed some last year when he was rated as the No. 40 guard out of 81 qualifying players.
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