Kevan Barlow is now a Jet, assuming he passes a physical. The 49ers will receive an undisclosed 2007 draft pick in exchange for Barlow.
Said head coach Mike Nolan on the trade, “This is a great opportunity for Kevan because of New York’s need at running back. Kevan has been committed to our program and done well. With the depth at running back we felt we could make this move.”
This move clears the way for Frank Gore, who was already on his way to winning the #1 RB job in San Francisco. He has had a long injury history, which appears to be the main thing standing in the way of stardom. He runs the ball hard and somehow managed 4.8 yards per carry last season behind San Francisco’s patchwork offensive line. Norv Turner’s presence as offensive coordinator should help the entire unit.
Meanwhile, Barlow gets another chance, this time with the Jets. He has teased many a fantasy player with his talent, but hasn’t delivered consistently on the field. There isn’t much competition in New York for carries, so if he explodes out of the gate (something he’s never done for the 49ers), the starting job will be his.
