49ers Place LaMichael James on the Trading Block

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have placed RB LaMichael James on the trade market again, per The Sacramento Bee. He has been talked about as a trade candidate for some time with the 49ers crowded backfield. The team could use him as a chip to move up in the draft. He was selected by the 49ers in the 2nd round a couple of seasons ago, but he has been stuck at the end of the bench on the roster.

James could be a nive value for some team that is in need of special teams help. James has shown that he can be one of the top returners in the game and could initially help out a roster with that duty.

While with the 49ers, he has only been active for 14 games in his 2 seasons. He has 184 career rushing yards and has 45 career receiving yards. He has an average of 28.4 yards per return on kickoff returns and 10.9 yards per return on punts. He is a nice weapon to have on special teams.

The Philadelphia Eagles are an obvious connection with Chip Kelly running the show there, but they just added Darren Sproles to their crowded backfield. If the 49ers are unable to find a trade partner, James could be riding the end of the bench for another season.