San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis spent the entire 2015 season away from the team after announcing a temporary sabbatical from the game of football.
Now, about a year removed from “retiring,” Davis is set to file his reinstatement papers with the National Football League.
Still under contract for the next four seasons, Davis remains the property of San Francisco.
In no way does this mean the team wants him back in the fold.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, individuals close to the situation in San Francisco believe the team is looking to trade both Antoine Bethea and Anthony Davis.
For his part, Davis seems to be a bit at odds with the powers to be in San Francisco:
https://twitter.com/BamDavis_/status/715937098553950208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
That could be the primary issue here. Set to count just $5.2 million against the cap next season, Davis is a ridiculous value for a starting right tackle in the NFL.
Add in the fact that he’s among the best players at his position, and a football-only mindset suggests San Francisco would want the 26-year-old veteran back in the fold.
But with the drama this team has been facing in the locker room and throughout the organization, it doesn’t need another headache on its hands.
You also have to wonder how committed Davis might be in a potential return. After all, he did practically quit on the team last year.
If Davis were placed on the trade block, there would most definitely be some interest in his services. At just 26 and with a team-friendly contract, that type of opportunity doesn’t come down the pike too often on the trade block.