Here's a thought: The San Francisco 49ers should trade running back LaMichael James to the Philadelphia Eagles.
James would be reunited with his college coach, Chip Kelly. Kelly’s offense in Philadelphia has yet to get up to full speed. Perhaps inserting a former Duck such as James in the lineup would ignite it. Perhaps the Eagles would give the 49ers a valuable pick for James.
Right now, James isn’t giving the 49ers a lot of value. And it seems like he is frustrated. CSNBayArea.com reported James posted a tweet saying he was unhappy being “insurance” and then he deleted it.
James didn’t play in the first three games because of a knee injury. He played last week in St. Louis. But he made no impact with three carries for zero yards. He is currently at the bottom of the running back rotation.
A second-round pick last year, James saw his role increase late last season. Many scouts think he can be a serious receiving weapon out of San Francisco's backfield.
But if the 49ers don’t trust James because of his blocking or other reasons, they should send him to a place that would likely pay to get him. Again, this is not a report or a rumor. I’m just suggesting an idea I think makes sense.
In other 49ers’ notes:
I know a lot of 49ers fans are unhappy that the team cut seventh-round pick B.J. Daniels. I wouldn’t be too upset. He is a total developmental player who the team clearly doesn’t think has value on the 53-man roster now. If he clears waivers later Wednesday, the 49ers likely will place him on the practice squad.
Newly signed linebacker Jermaine Cunningham has experience as a 3-4 outside linebacker with New England. He has played there on first and second down. He has some ability to set the edge. The 2010 second-round pick was cut when the Patriots set their 53-man roster in August. He was suspended late last season for using performance-enhancing drugs. He will provide depth for the 49ers.
Safety Donte Whitner expressed frustration with getting a $21,000 fine for a hit he made against the Rams. He is appealing the fine.