In a surprising move, the 49ers traded center Daniel Kilgore and a seventh round pick to the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, after giving the player a three-year extension a month ago, according to multiple reports. In exchange, the 49ers will receive a seventh-round pick from the Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter.
49ers trading center Daniel Kilgore and a 7th-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for another 7th-round pick, per source. Miami takes on Kilgore contract and bonus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2018
The #49ers have traded Daniel Kilgore to the Miami Dolphins.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 15, 2018
It’s likely that the 49ers’ signing of former Giants center Weston Richburg earlier in the week influenced the team’s decision to move on from Kilgore, who has started 33 games with the team since being drafted in 2011. Kilgore was known for being a popular personality in the 49ers locker room, but wasn’t a lock to start over guards Laken Tomlinson or Joshua Garnett next season. The move clears a little over $5.3 million in cap room for the 49ers for next season, according to Spotrac.
Here’s what general manager John Lynch said in a press release in February when Kilgore’s extension was announced.
“We are really happy to come to an agreement on a contract extension with Dan before free agency. He is very much a leader of this team, and his hard work and commitment to our success provide a great example for our young team. When you come across players who love the game like Dan you do your best to keep them in your building.”