Former NFL general manager Mike Lombardi said 49ers had made it known that former All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman is healthy, and that the team is willing to trade him on the “Ringer NFL Show Podcast” released Thursday morning.
Listen to @mlombardiNFL say #49ers “made it known” Bowman is healthy and the team would be willing to trade him https://t.co/tuO1WD5GdK
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) May 11, 2017
The report came as a surprise, especially on the heels of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan telling KNBR how impressive Bowman looked during the team’s voluntary mini-camp last week. Two hours later, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch issued a joint statement to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, strongly denying the report.
“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.”
Here’s what Lombardi had to say on the podcast as transcribed by Maiocco:
“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.”
Lombardi also reported a few weeks ago that tight end Vance McDonald was on the trading block, something that Lynch and Shanahan confirmed was true.
Bowman is expected to be the 49ers starting middle linebacker next season, assuming he is fully recovered from an Achilles’ injury sustained in October of last season. From what Shanahan has seen, Bowman will be ready.
“I couldn’t be more excited with Bo than I am right now,” Shanahan said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve gone against him over the years and have the utmost respect for him as a player. Never knew him as a person though. He’s been winning our drills out there; shuttles — (head strength and conditioning coach) Ray (Wright) takes them through a lot of competitions and stuff — and just to come out there and watch him he does not look like a guy coming off Achilles.”