After an offseason full of roster changes, identifying a realistic trade candidate for the San Francisco 49ers has become increasingly difficult—unless you're among the few who believe that contract talks with Brock Purdy could deteriorate to the point where the team considers moving on from its starting quarterback.
The 49ers have already traded Deebo Samuel and recently locked up George Kittle with a contract extension. Meanwhile, the window to deal Brandon Aiyuk appears to have closed. So, who's next in the spotlight of trade speculation?
Sterling Xie of Pro Football & Sports Network offered a surprising answer while naming one trade or cut candidate for each NFL team—second-year running back Isaac Guerendo.
"The San Francisco 49ers can never resist an enticing mid-round running back prospect," Xie wrote. "Last year, Isaac Guerendo was the target, but he might already be old news. The Niners drafted bruising Oregon back Jordan James in the fifth round, a solid value for a player some felt could go on Day 2. Subsequently, San Francisco signed PFSN's top-rated UDFA running back, Cincinnati's Corey Kiner."
James rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns on 233 carries in 2024, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt over three seasons with the Ducks. The 49ers hope his nose for the end zone translates to the pro level.
Kiner, meanwhile, posted 2,200 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Bearcats. He also averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2024.
"Kiner is intriguing not only because of his pre-draft rank, but also because of his experience in the Bearcats' zone running scheme," Xie noted. "That should make him a solid fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense and give Kiner a better chance of making the final roster than most undrafted rookies. With two locks in Christian McCaffrey and James, there are likely only a couple spots left in the backfield."
Guerendo averaged 5.0 yards per carry as a rookie, racking up 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns while stepping in during an injury-riddled season. But with the running back room now more crowded, Xie questions whether Guerendo might face stiffer competition to retain his spot on the depth chart.
"Guerendo should still be viewed as a favorite to earn one of those spots," Xie continued. "Still, it's interesting that the 49ers added a pair of rookies known for their decisive running styles. For all his physical gifts, Guerendo's tendency to dance was frustrating at times, as he was an extremely boom-or-bust option in a small sample of carries. His athleticism should carry the day if he's improved his decisiveness this offseason, but the 49ers have some other options if Shanahan doesn't trust Guerendo with the RB2 role."
One person who remains firmly in Guerendo's corner is star running back Christian McCaffrey. The teammate praised Guerendo's growth and mindset during an interview in April when asked about the young running back's rookie campaign.
"I thought it was great," McCaffrey said. "I thought, to watch how he grew throughout the season—a lot of times, as a back, just getting the reps is so valuable. But to see him in the meeting room and how he approaches the game, how hard he works, and how good he wants to be, he's definitely somebody that pushes the pace in the room, and I'm excited for him this year."
Guerendo will work this offseason to solidify his role and hold off the competition.