The Buccaneers made a bold move for an old guard Tuesday, but they tried to make an even bolder move for a younger one.
According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, the Bucs called the 49ers about a possible deal for holdout guard Alex Boone.
The fact they gave up a fourth for Mankins should tell you something about the 49ers’ asking price for their disgruntled guard, who wants a new contract.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the 49ers are any closer to resolving anything with Boone, as there have been no communications between the team and his camp since the start of training camp.
It’s hard to imagine a team more desperate for guard help than the Buccaneers, so it’s unlikely there’s a team out there to meet the 49ers’ price for Boone. And with their offensive line looking shaky in recent weeks, it might be time to extend an olive branch and see if something can be worked out.