The 49ers used this year's first-round pick to select Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey, who could be viewed as the eventual replacement for veteran tackle Joe Staley on the left side of the offensive line and competition for the right tackle job.
Or maybe not.
An unverified trade rumor surfaced on Thursday involving the 49ers, Brown, and another team.
Chance Dickman of KSBY-TV reported that the 49ers were working on a deal to send Brown to the Denver Broncos. Of course, the report stated that it would be in exchange for a second-round pick. If the 49ers were able to obtain a second-round pick in exchange for Brown, they would likely take it and count their blessings.
It seems unlikely the 49ers would be able to swindle Broncos general manager John Elway out of a second-round pick for Brown, but there may be some truth to the rumor.
Brown injured his shoulder during practice on Thanksgiving Day last year. While he came back and played against the Chicago Bears during Week 13, the injury did not go away. Brown missed the final four games of the season and landed on injured reserve.
More rumors supporting the potential for a trade surfaced following the selection of McGlinchey. Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst reported that the 49ers selected the Notre Dame tackle because Brown reported to the offseason program out of shape and the team has concerns about his recovery.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Thursday night that Brown would be out until training camp, which will begin at the end of July. He did not indicate that the 49ers have or are working on plans to move the tackle. Of course, if they were, it is unlikely the team would discuss it.
"I have not spoken with [Brown]," Shanahan said. "And his status on this team is that he's on our team. I'm glad we have some competition, some very good competition. I'm glad we were able to sign [Garry Gilliam] too, to add some.
"And when Trent gets back here in training camp, I think it's going to be a heck of a battle, and I think it's going to be a good problem for the 49ers to have."
Given the rumors, general manager John Lynch was asked if the 49ers would be open to trading Brown, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
"You know, you never say never," he answered. "Right now, we're pleased to have great competition at that spot."
The second round of the draft kicks off tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. PT.
H/T to Patrick Tulini for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Jerry Rice talks 49ers: Mike Evans addition, De'Zhaun Stribling, 2026 expectations
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 season with championship aspirations, believing they have a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Although the team finished third in the NFC West last season, it still earned a playoff berth despite injuries that ravaged the... -
Watch: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey's offseason workout routine
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is ramping up his preparation for training camp. He and the team's veterans are scheduled to report to Santa Clara on Saturday, July 25, with the first practice set for the following day. As anticipation builds for the 2026... -
Where 49ers' Trent Williams landed in ESPN's offensive tackle rankings
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season and has acknowledged that this will likely be the final deal of his NFL career. If that's the case, the 49ers can expect at least two more seasons of elite blindside protection for... -
49ers face O-line questions as Trent Williams inches closer to retirement
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season, giving fans at least two more years to watch the future Hall of Famer protect franchise quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side. Earlier this offseason, Williams acknowledged that his...