The 49ers cut back on NaVorro Bowman’s playing time on Sunday in Indianapolis Colts.
That didn’t sit well with the veteran linebacker.
“I don’t know, man,” Bowman told reporters afterward. “We had a conversation, and I don’t know. They’re doing what they want to do. I don’t know. I don’t like it. No one likes coming out of the game, but I’m a team player.”
That unhappiness lingered through this week ahead of the team’s game in Washington for Week 6.
On Friday morning, reports circulated that general manager John Lynch was shopping Bowman for a potential trade. When that couldn’t be completed — at Bowman’s request — the Niners cut him.
“Thursday evening, Kyle and I met with NaVorro, and from our conversation it became evident that going in different directions was best for both him and our team,” Lynch said in a statement. “Although NaVorro may be moving on, he will always be looked at as one of the great players to wear the red and gold. We wish him and his family great success.”
Bowman has spent his entire career up to this point with the 49ers. He was a third-round pick in 2010 and thrived playing next to Patrick Willis. He’s been one of the best linebackers for most of his career, being named to the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors four times.
Bowman sustained a season-ending Achilles injury last season that limited his trade value, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
With the injury history and $6.75M in base salary, NaVorro Bowman was difficult (or impossible) to trade. As a free agent, he’s attractive.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2017
