Trade rumors involving San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone have picked up in the last 24 hours as the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged as front runners to land the top-tier guard.

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According to Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole, the 49ers and Boone have not had any talks concerning a new contract and are expected to go their separate ways before the season’s start. Cole believes that Boone could fetch a third-round draft pick on the trade market, but any potential trade will go on after a lengthy holdout from 49ers camp.

Boone has heard from his sources that the Buccaneers and Giants have emerged as two teams that have expressed interest in him, after losing Carl Nicks and Chris Snee, respectively. Cole stressed that, although the Giants and Buccaneers have the inside track on a trade, between five and seven teams could get into the market for Boone. Cole said that 20-24 teams could plug Boone into their line and he would start, but only five to seven teams are expected to be serious contenders for a trade.

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Boone is in the middle of a lengthy holdout due to the fact that he will be paid only $4 million over the last two years of his contract. Boone has emerged as one of the best guards in the NFL and has asked the 49ers to pay him as such. Boone signed with the 49ers for backup money and he was expected to be depth for the team, but he developed into one of the cornerstones of their offensive line.

[Bleacher Report]

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