"At one point during the week, the 49ers were looking into trading Witherspoon, and Witherspoon was aware of this," responded Barrows. "For one reason or another, that plan was scrapped."
The 49ers' reluctance to go through with a trade may have had something to do with veteran cornerback Jason Verrett's hamstring injury, which he suffered during Wednesday's practice.
Added Barrows: "Maybe it was because the 49ers didn't get the right kind of nibbles. I don't know."
The news does suggest that perhaps San Francisco's coaches were pleased enough with Verrett's training camp performance that they found Witherspoon expendable. Of course, an injury changes that.
Witherspoon is also scheduled to become a free agent next year, and it is unknown if the 49ers will look to retain his services. Barrows isn't so sure they will. That could have also played into the decision to look into trade options.
"As a group, I thought the 49ers cornerbacks played well in training camp," wrote Barrows. "Emmanuel Moseley probably was the top guy, but Witherspoon wasn't far behind."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers stay locked into week-to-week focus as playoff stakes rise
If the San Francisco 49ers win out—highlighted by a potential Week 18 victory over the Seattle Seahawks—they would not only claim the NFC West title but also secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. That scenario came into clearer focus Thursday night when the Seahawks... -
Report: 49ers TE George Kittle dealing with mid-to-low ankle sprain
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain" sustained during Monday night's 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain," per... -
49ers vs. Colts injury report: 6 players miss practice ahead of MNF clash
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Because linebacker Erick Kendricks is on the practice squad, the 49ers do not need to report his practice status. Head... -
49ers vs. Bears injury report: Kittle sidelined, Pearsall returns, other practice notes
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 17 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As expected, tight end George Kittle did not practice after suffering an ankle sprain in Monday night's win over the Indianapolis...