The last thing Joe Staley wanted to do was leave his NFL team of 13 years, the San Francisco 49ers, high and dry as it pushed toward another Super Bowl run. That's what made part of Staley's decision to retire difficult. He wanted to find a balance between doing right by him and his family and doing right by the team.
Staley officially announced his retirement on Saturday. The 49ers learned of his decision during the days leading to last week's draft. That's when the team started considering its options.
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan had held out hope that Staley would return for his 14th NFL season, reducing the team's needs entering the draft. But Staley gave them enough notice to reopen trade discussions with Washington.
San Francisco had been interested in tackle Trent Williams, who desired a change in scenery, last year before the trade deadline as injuries decimated the offensive line. Nothing came to fruition, though.
This time, Lynch and Shanahan got their guy, and the 49ers will transition from one Pro Bowl tackle defending quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to another. And Staley managed to keep his decision quiet until the deal was done, as not to tip the 49ers' hand. It was one final selfless act by the offensive lineman.
"I couldn't be more ecstatic to have Trent with the Niners," Staley told Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto during a Wednesday interview on 95.7 The Game. "I've long really respected his game. He's an absolutely tremendous left tackle. And it was really important to me, when I was going through the process, I kind of set a [deadline] of, obviously, before the draft. I was in contact with the Niners throughout this whole process and kind of letting them know where I was at.
"And then I wanted to have the decision done and final before the draft so they could really prepare for whatever they wanted to do going forward."
Washington reportedly could have acquired a first-round pick for Williams last year. The 49ers seemingly received the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle at the discounted price of a fifth-round pick this year and a third-rounder next year.
Staley can put his mind at ease knowing that his spot as an anchor along the offensive line is in good hands.
"And then for them to be able to land a guy of Trent's caliber just makes me really excited because it's the best decision for my family," Staley continued. "And then also, I'm not really screwing over the Niners. They're going to be just fine, and I think he's going to fit really well into what they do.
"Obviously, he's very familiar with Kyle and their offense, having played with them in Washington. He'll be a great fit in that room, as well."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Staley below.
