"We're having a lot of conversations," San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said during a KNBR interview on Friday morning. "I think that's one thing that's just crucial is that you get on the phone and you talk to every team, and that's what's going on around this time."
Lynch also said, at the time, that nothing was imminent, but the situation might change as Tuesday's trade deadline quickly approaches. The 49ers might be looking to be sellers rather than buyers. Some of the "conversations" may include wide receiver Pierre Garçon and defensive back Jimmie Ward, according to a report by Albert Breer of The MMQB.
Breer wrote the following on Sunday morning:
"Another veteran on the block: Niners receiver Pierre Garçon. He's banged up right now (shoulder, knee) and 32 years old, but he could certainly still serve a contender in a complementary role down the stretch. 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."
Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported that teams have reached out to the 49ers about Garçon.
Wrote Schefter:
"The 49ers have fielded calls from at least three teams in the past week inquiring if Garçon is available, and San Francisco has listened to what others are offering as talks are expected to continue after Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to sources."
Garçon, who is dealing with knee and shoulder injuries, did not travel with the 49ers for Sunday's road game against the Arizona Cardinals. He has just 21 receptions for 230 yards this season with no touchdowns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave a tepid endorsement of the veteran wide receiver on Wednesday.
"Pierre is definitely someone who can help us," Shanahan said. "He has at times. He got a lot more opportunities last year before he got hurt, also. I don't think all of our guys have gotten a ton of opportunities this year. It's been up and down with that.
"I was expecting him to come on pretty strong here in the recent weeks, but he's definitely been battling through some tough stuff here the last two weeks."
The 49ers signed Garçon to a five-year deal on March 9, 2017. He is set to earn $6.85 million this year, and San Francisco has a potential out on his contract after the season.
The 49ers made Ward the No. 30 overall draft pick in 2014. He has appeared in five games with three starts this season and registered 11 combined tackles.
One player who is unlikely to be traded is veteran cornerback Richard Sherman, who has been dealing with a calf injury but is having an outstanding year when on the field.
"We love what he brings in terms of the knowledge," Lynch said. "He's not wavered at all. People can look out there and see this is what an All-Pro football player, a champion looks like. His football IQ is off the charts. He's been a tremendous leader for us, so Sherm's going to be a part of us this year, hopefully moving forward, and we're thrilled to have him. We're lucky to have him."
H/t to Kirk Larrabee of 24/7 Sports for the find.