If the 49ers can't strike a new deal with holdout Alex Boone, would San Francisco be willing to trade him?
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport noted Saturday that no progress has been made in negotiations between the club and its reliable right guard, per a source informed of the situation. Rapoport also was told that some league executives believe Boone might generate trade offers.
ESPN.com's Bill Williamson first reported that "multiple teams are poised to show interest" in swapping for Boone, whose current deal runs out after the 2015 season.
CSN Bay Area confirms multiple teams are interested in pursuing a Boone trade.
FOXSports.com's Mike Garafolo noted that he could see clubs "aggressively" pursue a trade based on the high demand for players at Boone's position -- noting that even Richie Incognito is "getting sniffs."
Naturally, Boone's camp wants the 49ers to know how valuable he is league-wide, but a trade remains especially complex. Potential suitors would be asked to give up fair value to San Francisco while handing Boone the lucrative extension he desires.
Last month, Jim Harbaugh engaged in some media warfare of his own, crowing that Boone's replacement, Joe Looney, has been a standout during training camp.
Rapoport has noted all along that the 49ers have a policy against negotiating new contracts with holdouts. We don't expect that to change with a player holding zero leverage over the team.
The latest Around The League Podcast answers every question about preseason action that you were too afraid to ask.