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NFL trade deadline 2018: Latest 49ers news, rumors and reports

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an incomplete pass intended for Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to an incomplete pass intended for Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Jimmie Ward Also on the Trade Block

While Pierre Garçon might be the biggest name on the 49ers trade block by the deadline, According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, defensive back Jimmie Ward is also available.

Here’s what Breer had to say:

"Safety Jimmie Ward (playing on an $8.5 million fifth-year option) is another one who’s been involved in trade discussion, but my sense is the Niners would need to get something significant to deal him."

Two things about this statement. First, that fifth-year option is fully guaranteed, making Ward the highest-paid player on San Francisco’s defense. Being a free agent next year, teams would be reluctant to give up “something significant” for a mere rental.

On top of that, Ward’s production this year hasn’t exactly warranted top billing on the open market. Sure, he’s versatile. And that has value for a team in contention looking to add a missing piece by the NFL trade deadline.

Ward later admitted he was unaware his name came up on the rumor mill, according to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch.

Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney summed up the likelihood of this happening:

On a somewhat related note, there has been no buzz on the 49ers possibly moving cornerback Richard Sherman, and John Lynch hinted at this while appearing on KNBR 680 this week (h/t 49ers Webzone).