NaVorro Bowman was given a late-career gift last week from the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft: free agency.
Before the 49ers released the 29-year-old linebacker Friday, they had agreed to a trade with the Saints that would have sent Bowman to New Orleans in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, according to ESPN. Bowman, though, preferred to choose his destination, per the report.
"Lots of teams (are) trying to sign" Bowman, a four-time first-team All-Pro selection who has missed 23 games over the last two seasons due to injuries, according to the report, and he will need "a few days" to make his decision.
MOCK DRAFT:
49ers find offensive help they need
#Saints only have around $2.5M in cap room. Bowman would have had to take a pay cut or 49ers eat money to make that trade work
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) October 15, 2017
ESPN cited the Ravens, Browns and Panthers as teams with which the 49ers discussed a Bowman trade. The Raiders reportedly are expected to have interest, as well.
"NaVorro gave his heart and soul to this team for the last eight years, and for that we are all extremely grateful,” 49ers GM John Lynch said in a press release upon Bowman's release. "During that time, NaVorro was a key component of one of the best teams in the league and his passion for the game allowed him to quickly become a favorite of our faithful fans.
"Thursday evening, Kyle (Shanahan) 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. 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 had 527 tackles (181 assisted), 12.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and four interceptions in 89 regular-season games with San Francisco.