The San Francisco 49ers are being coy on just how serious they are with their intentions of trading running back LaMichael James. Rumors surfaced that the team was putting the rarely used back on the market and drafting a rookie instead. General manager Trent Baalke downplayed the repots simply saying that right now James was a member of the 49ers and would remain that way. But the rumor is out there and teams are emerging as being interested.
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly taking a look at a potential deal for James. The team had been in the market for another running back but never made a serious offer on the top free agents. There is serious doubt to the future of Ray Rice following his arrest. The veteran could face jail time if convicted and the Ravens are prepared for him to be handed some sort of suspension was the legal process plays out. That leaves Baltimore with very few options and a need for James.
Ravens' Insider Aaron Wilson reports the team is also looking into Boston College's Andre Williams as an option in the NFL Draft, but the team could get James for cheaper. The running back was barely used for San Francisco and is about as fresh as a rookie will be, but with two years of experience already under his belt.
The Denver Broncos are another team taking a glance James' way. Right now, the team lost Knowshon Moreno to free agency and will be relying on Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman to carry the ground game. Everyone from head coach John Fox to quarterback Peyton Manning has publically endorsed Ball as the starter, but is Hillman the best backup option? Getting James could give Denver a strong one-two punch on the field.
The market for James is relatively unknown. This year in free agency, running backs have come very cheap so any team looking to make a deal will not be willing to give up that much for James. The 49ers are interested in moving up in the draft so they likely will be asking for at least a third or fourth round pick in return for the third-year pro.
