One of the best left tackles in football might be on the move.
The scuffling San Francisco 49ers are open to trading Joe Staley, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
From PFT:
“In addition to Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, 49ers left tackle Joe Staley also could be had in trade.
Staley, drafted in the same round (first) of the same draft (2007) as Thomas, has been tied to the same teams that have some degree of interest in Thomas: Vikings, Giants, Cardinals, Seahawks and, if the 49ers are willing to take whatever they can get, the Patriots.
While the Browns would deal Thomas for a second-round pick, a source with knowledge of the dynamics tells PFT the 49ers are angling for a first-round pick from a contender for Staley, which likely would come late in the round.”
The Vikings probably aren’t a headliner after giving up a first-round pick for quarterback Sam Bradford, and the Patriots seem highly unlikely because, as CBS Sports’ Will Brinson points out, “The Pats would be interested but aren’t giving up a first- or second-round pick for either guy. They value that capital too much (wisely).”
To no one’s surprise, 49ers head coach Chip Kelly completely rejected the idea that the team is looking to move five-time Pro Bowler.
Staley, 32, is signed through the 2019 season, and is owed $5.4 million in 2016, though his salary spikes to $8.25 million in 2017.
Any potential deal would have to be completed fairly soon, as the NFL trade deadline arrives Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Kelvin Kuo/USA TODAY Sports Images
