Right guard Alex Boone is sitting out of training camp because of a dispute over money. He wants a new contract and the San Francisco 49ers want to keep him at his current rate.
Boone has been the starting right guard for the 49ers since 2012. He has played in all 32 games in the past two seasons. He is a huge part of why the San Francisco offense, particularly its running game, has been so dominant.
He is being replaced in camp by Joe Looney. Needless to say, it is a huge downgrade from Boone. It puts the 49ers in a tricky situation. Vernon Davis ended his holdout prior to camp. He also wants a new contract.
If they pay Boone, they will open Pandora’s Box.
They will have to give both players new deals. What other options do the 49ers have?
The solution would be to trade Boone to another team. If they have enough confidence in Looney, it might be an option. The obvious team that needs guard help is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have a glaring weakness at both of the guard positions.
Boone would be an immeasurable upgrade over what they have now. It is possible that San Francisco could get a second-round pick for Boone. He’s that good of a football player.
It will end up coming down to which side breaks first. If I am the 49ers, I make my peace with Boone and come to a compromise. He is too valuable to lose over a dispute.
The San Francisco 49ers need to assess the risks of losing Alex Boone because it may come back to haunt them.