The San Francisco 49ers proved to be among the worst in the league following Sunday's loss to the previously one-win Arizona Cardinals. With the season lost, it seems likely that the 49ers might be sellers as Tuesday's trade deadline approaches.
A report from Albert Breer of The MMQB on Sunday morning identified two 49ers players who are potential trade candidates — wide receiver Pierre Garçon and defensive back Jimmie Ward. Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported that at least three teams have inquired about Garçon.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the reports after Sunday's loss but said nothing was imminent. Right now, the coaching staff is focused on getting Garçon healthy enough for the 49ers' Thursday night game against the 1-6 Oakland Raiders.
"We'd love Pierre back," Shanahan said. "Just trying to get his knee healthy, which he's very close to. I'd expect him to be good for Thursday night. We've looked into everything, so teams have talked about him, and it is a possibility but nothing for sure right now."
Shanahan said the team has kept Garçon in the loop.
"Teams call about a lot of people," Shanahan continued when asked if there was anyone else who might be traded. "I think every team around the league is doing a ton. I know there was a report on Pierre. That is true. He's one of the guys that people have asked about and we have talked about. Nothing is going down right now, and we'll see how these next two days play out with Pierre and a lot of people."
#49ers DB Jimmie Ward, who has reportedly been part of trade discussions, said he was unaware he could potentially be dealt. He was told the trade deadline was coming up: "It's Tuesday? Thank you. I didn't know that."
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) October 29, 2018
As for Ward, Shanahan felt the defensive back played well at the safety position.
"Jimmie started out this year at corner, giving us some insurance with [Richard Sherman] coming off that injury throughout the whole offseason," Shanahan said. "Jimmie started last year at safety with us and played at a very high level when he was healthy.
"With us losing [Adrian] Colbert, with getting Sherm back this week, and Ahkello [Witherspoon], I thought it made very good sense to put Jimmie at safety."
The 49ers lost Sunday's game 18-15 and fell to 1-7.
