More information is filtering in about now former 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, including a report from Ian Rapoport that Bowman will visit the Raiders soon. Oakland is in desperate need of a middle linebacker and Bowman could fill that role. However, Bowman struggled in pass protection, and the Raiders are awful guarding tight ends.
FA LB NaVorro Bowman and the Oakland #Raiders have strong mutual interest & a source says Bowman is expected to visit in the coming days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2017
Meanwhile, Adam Schefter reported the 49ers had a deal with the Saints for a seventh round pick. Apparently Bowman nixed the deal and wanted to return to the 49ers in a reduced role. However general manager John Lynch said, at that point, the 49ers wanted to move on from Bowman.
49ers agreed to trade NaVorro Bowman to Saints before deciding to release him, per sources.https://t.co/16bTisVL4y https://t.co/gUWMH7NZzQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2017
As a former player, Lynch reportedly told Bowman’s agent that he had been in the position of a declining player and that he didn’t believe Bowman could make the mental adjustment to accepting a reduced role. Additionally, the 49ers were thinking of resting him in one series each half. However, his playing time could’ve been further curtailed if rookie Reuben Foster develops and Ray-Ray Armstrong continues to play well.