An interesting name floated into the NFL trade rumor mill when Pro Football and Sports Network released a piece naming a cut or trade candidate for every NFL team.

It’s admittedly tough to find a ton of veterans on the San Francisco 49ers‘ roster who may be traded or cut this offseason. They trimmed a lot of their cut or trade candidates early in the offseason to accelerate some of their upcoming financial hurdles.

That led PFSN to name second-year running back Isaac Guerendo as a player the 49ers could aim to deal after adding two rookies during the NFL draft.

Via PFSN:

The San Francisco 49ers can never resist an enticing mid-round running back prospect. Last year that player was Isaac Guerendo, but he might already be old news. The Niners drafted bruising Oregon back Jordan James in the fifth round, a solid value for a player some felt could go on Day 2. Subsequently, San Francisco signed PFSN’s top-rated UDFA running back, Cincinnati’s Corey Kiner.

Kiner is intriguing not only because of his pre-draft rank, but also because of his experience in the Bearcats’ zone running scheme. That should make him a solid fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and give Kiner a better chance of making the final roster than most undrafted rookies. With McCaffrey and James also locks, there are likely only a couple spots left in the backfield.

Guerendo should still be viewed as a favorite to earn one of those spots. Still, it’s interesting that the 49ers added a pair of rookies known for their decisive running styles. For all his physical gifts, Guerendo’s tendency to dance was frustrating at times, as he was an extremely boom-or-bust option in a small sample of carries. His athleticism should carry the day if he’s improved his decisiveness this offseason, but the 49ers have some other options if Shanahan doesn’t trust Guerendo with the RB2 role.

While it’s not impossible the 49ers move on from Guerendo, his pass-catching ability shined through and may make him a vital piece of San Francisco’s offense this season.

Guerendo caught 14 of 15 targets for 147 yards in the seven games where he played at least 10 offensive snaps. That’s a full-season pace of 34 receptions for 357 yards.

Production aside, the most impressive part of Guerendo as a pass catcher was the variety of ways he hauled in receptions, and quarterback Brock Purdy’s trust in him in tight windows. Finding a running back who complements Christian McCaffrey enough that the 49ers don’t have to dramatically change their offense when he’s on the field is crucial.

Perhaps James and Kiner both put together monster training camp performances where they offer a viable pass-catching threat and make Guerendo expendable. For now, he’s a vital piece of the 49ers’ backfield and a trade involving him would be a significant surprise.