The San Francisco 49ers are trading linebacker Eli Harold to the Detroit Lions for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2020, according to a report from MLive Media Group and other sources. He was in the final year of his contract.
The Lions are trading for San Francisco OLB Eli Harold, per source. Giving up a conditional seventh-round pick in 2020 in return
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) August 23, 2018
Harold must pass a physical in Detroit for the trade to be finalized, says the 49ers.
"Our entire organization would like to thank Eli for his hard work and contributions to our team and the Bay Area community over the last three years," general manager John Lynch said via a statement. "He always represented the 49ers with class and has been a tremendous teammate. We wish Eli and his wife, Kelsey, nothing but the best in the years to come."
Harold was one of just 13 players remaining who were on the 49ers roster in 2016. San Francisco made him a third-round draft pick in 2015. In three seasons with the 49ers, Harold has recorded 85 combined tackles with five sacks and a forced fumble. Each of his sacks has come during the past two seasons.
Harold registered three tackles during the 49ers' two preseason games this season. He was set to earn about $1.9 million this season.
Trading Eli Harold makes Dekoda Watson the de facto starter at outside linebacker for San Francisco and means that Pita Taumoepenu is the backup. #49ers #Lions https://t.co/k0uvqnNQM6
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 23, 2018