MKRob Sports

The Seattle Seahawks acquired defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer from the San Francisco 49ers.

A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the 49ers received a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft in return for Balmer.

Balmer was a first-round pick of the 49ers in 2008.

The Sacramento Bee first reported that the 49ers and Seahawks were close to completing a deal.

For the Seahawks, Balmer could fill multiple needs. He can help as a defensive tackle, but he can also help as a left defensive end and compete with Red Bryant for playing time. Defensive end is a big concern for the Seahawks.

Last Monday, Balmer left the 49ers after meeting with 49ers coach Mike Singletary. Though the team labeled his departure as personal reasons, sources indicate Balmer was having trouble figuring out his role with the coaching staff. Balmer has played in 27 games in his first two seasons with the 49ers but has never started. He was projected to be a backup defensive end in the 49ers’ 3-4 scheme.

The 49ers gave Balmer a letter indicating he had five days to show up at the team facility. Monday was the deadline, and Balmer told the team he would show up. Knowing he was coming, the 49ers spent the weekend trying to make a trade.

An interesting subplot of the trade is that the 49ers are a division rival of the Seahawks and open the season against them.

Scot McCloughan, who drafted Balmer for the 49ers when he was the team’s general manager, is now with the Seahawks.