NaVorro Bowman’s time in San Francisco has come to an end. The Niners announced that he has been released. 
[RELATED: No Offset Language In Bowman’s Deal]
“NaVorro gave his heart and soul to this team for the last eight years, and for that we are all extremely grateful,” said 49ers GM John Lynch. “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 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.”
On Friday, it was reported that the Niners were working to trade the veteran linebacker. Earlier this week, Bowman’s agent Drew Rosenhaus sent a letter to the league’s other 31 teams saying he had permission to seek a trade (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Even with Rosenhaus working to find a suitor, it couldn’t be done. Apparently, no one was willing to take on Bowman’s mammoth contract, which included a $12MM cap hit for the 2018 season.
Bowman first entered the league as a third-round pick of San Francisco in 2010. In the eight seasons since, he has earned First-Team All-Pro honors four times and three Pro Bowl trips. He also led the team in tackles in four of the previous six seasons (2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015).
Despite his impressive resume, Bowman has been subbed out frequently by the coaching staff this offseason. The pitch count was devised to keep Bowman fresh and healthy, but the veteran wanted no part of the linebacker rotation. He’ll finish out the SF portion of his 2017 season with 37 tackles, one pass defensed, and no sacks in five games. According to the metrics at Pro Football Focus, Bowman was playing some of the worst football of his career this year. His poor 45.0 grade puts him near the bottom of the league’s qualified linebackers, a precipitous drop from his past work.
I’m done with John lynch
Just because a trade fell through? So you get nothing for him??
Absolutely ridiculous. What a bunch of idiots! They are butt hurt because he was mad for sitting which he has the right to be mad about that. So you release him because you ant trade him. Now we get even worse. Stupid move.
That was fast.
Pats could use another LB
Thanks for the memories ‘Bo. Hope you can get a ring this year.
@Dretorade – Lynch is getting a reputation as somebody who takes care of players. It’s all part of the culture he’s building. I hate seeing Bowman leave but I like what Lynch and KS have been building.
Pats maybe?
Man he has been slow as hell all year. I hate to say it because I love bowman, but he is a liability. I would rather see a foster/ray ray Armstrong combo. He’s not the same player after all those injuries. It’s sad because he was such a badass before those injuries.
Jets are holding tryouts…for anyone that becomes available.
About 1/2 the teams in the NFL could use him. He’ll be playing next weekend.
Navorro was done. He was slow all year, showing up late on all his tackles. I would rather see a foster/ ray ray Armstrong combo the rest of the year. I love bow but those injuries have really taken a toll on him and he’s not the same player that he use to be. Heck of a leader though.
Steelers
I like the move
Jets can use a superstar LB!!