Antoine Bethea Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding 49ers Safety

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly want to trade veteran safety Antoine Bethea.

Continue for updates.

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49ers Looking to Deal Bethea, OT Anthony Davis 

Monday, April 11

Peter King of The MMQB, citing a source, reported the buzz on Bethea and another marquee player.

Bethea's 2015 campaign was cut short to seven games due to a torn pectoral muscle. The 31-year-old hadn't missed a start since 2007, which was his second year as a pro.

The longtime Indianapolis Colts standout came to San Francisco in 2014, recording 85 combined tackles and four interceptions in his maiden year with the team. 2015 was brutal for the 49ers, who have hired a new coach in Chip Kelly to try to bounce back.

San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke and Co. drafted Jaquiski Tartt in the second round last year, and he plays Bethea's position. Tartt figures to be the long-term solution at strong safety and flashed nicely as a rookie, racking up 65 combined tackles, two sacks a forced fumble and an interception.

Based on Tartt's level of play and upside, it would make sense if the buzz surrounding Bethea is true.

However, the Niners should also consider the leadership intangibles Bethea brings to the locker room. San Francisco would stand to benefit from Bethea's presence with a young roster in place and no clear answer at quarterback.

Kelly is also coming off a disastrous year with the Philadelphia Eagles and will have to work to establish himself with his new team. Having someone like Bethea to lead by example would be invaluable.

There aren't many other players the Niners have to pay big money, and Bethea's cap figure is just over $6 million for 2016, per Spotrac. He'd only count $1.25 million in dead money if he's released next year, so San Francisco should consider keeping Bethea under contract as it transitions amid a rebuilding phase.