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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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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 23: Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack of Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

A Player the 49ers Should Try Moving… Arik Armstead

There are no rumors or buzz about this, but the 49ers should seriously explore moving fourth-year defensive tackle Arik Armstead.

Don’t agree? Then direct your question marks towards Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone:

San Francisco has a plethora of defensive linemen, although it needs an edge rusher. And while he’ll never live up to his first-round NFL Draft billing back in 2015, Armstead has put together a modestly solid season.

More from SF 49ers Rumors

The Niners picked up Armstead’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason, but it doesn’t become fully guaranteed until the league new year, outside of injury. So that flexibility could be attractive for a new suitor. Plus, moving Armstead would free up a spot to move second-year defensive end Solomon Thomas to play more on the inside — either the big end in base formations or a 3-technique in sub packages.

The 49ers have far more invested in Thomas right now anyway.

Right now, it doesn’t appear as if Armstead is going to be a fit in the Niners’ long-term plans despite the fifth-year option. So if there’s a defensive-needy team out there looking to add some thump up front in both the pass-rush and run-stopping departments (ahem, Atlanta Falcons), moving Armstead would be a good move.

Next. 49ers' 2018 midterm report-card grades by position. dark

The 2018 NFL trade deadline hits on Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. ET.