The San Francisco 49ers went from having offensive depth issues in 2013 to having too many players on the roster in 2014. Not only do they have too many players, they have too many good players. That is nice issue to have, but one team can only carry so many players and the 49ers are going to be forced to make some tough decisions in the coming months that could be in the form of trades or releases.
The 49ers have some running back issues. Entering 2014, they have veteran Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Marcus Lattimore, LaMichael James and newly drafted Carlos Hyde. Obviously, Gore is the starter and primary running back. The veteran still has plenty left in him to be the lead back and carry the ground game. His resume mirrors that statement. Hyde was drafted with the intentions that he would one day take over for Gore. While San Francisco does not plan on giving the rookie a ton of carries, he could easily find himself No. 2 on the depth chart. Hunter is entering his fourth year on the team and barely sees the field, but makes a difference when he does. Lattimore sat out his rookie season and is still recovering from injury. James has been there two years and has barely seen the field once.
James faced traded rumors most of the offseason and is reportedly unhappy with his position on the team. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the running back has requested a trade to a team that will actually play him. So far that has not happened and James sat out practices to prove a point. Now reportedly back on the field does the team trade him before it is too late?
The 49ers will likely carry three backs into the season. James has the best trade value of the Hunter and Lattimore. After a successful college career that included a Heisman nomination, James could be a standout back if given the chance. Hunter's value is low thanks to limited playing time. Lattimore ended his college career after a gruesome injury that he is still working to come back from. However, the 49ers could keep James and possibly release the other. They must make a move either way.
The Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys might be the best landing spots for a deal, but all three teams likely would favor James over Hunter or Lattimore. For now, the 49ers will continue to downplay the roster issue, but if they are not careful, they will run out of time for a move.
