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Other than the DeForest Buckner trade to the Indianapolis Colts, the San Francisco 49ers were on course to retain all of their key defensive players from the 2019 season. With the NFL Draft just days away and looking to clear up some salary cap space, we could see some major trades from the defending NFC champions.
Michael Lombardi reported on Monday that defensive end Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander, safety Jaquiski Tartt, and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin are all available if the price is right.
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
Ford carries the second-biggest cap hit on the 49ers roster behind Jimmy Garoppolo, so it’s possible that a year after signing that five-year, $87.5 million contract after he was traded by the Kansas City Chiefs, Ford will be playing elsewhere next season. After missing a few games with injury, Ford did collect 6.5 sacks in 11 regular season games played.
Alexander was one of San Francisco’s big free agent signings in the previous offseason, inking a four-year deal worth $54 million, including $27 million guaranteed. He missed the second-half of the regular season with a torn pectoral muscle but did return for the playoffs. In his absence, rookie Dre Greenlaw took his spot and... let’s just say he had an impact against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tartt has an expiring contract so anyone who wants him could consider him to be a one-year rental. You may remember Tartt for his ridiculously impressive forced fumble of DK Metcalf in the first meeting between the Seahawks and 49ers.
As for Goodwin, he had an injury-shortened 2019 and only had 12 catches for 186 yards and a touchdown. His cap number is just over $7.6 million and I doubt he’s in San Francisco’s plans anyway. Even if he isn’t traded, the 49ers can still save $7 million by cutting him outright.
Be sure to keep a close eye on what the 49ers are doing this week, as they have two first-round picks and it looks like they are in for more significant player movement.