ESPN's Dan Graziano and Ben Solak recently ranked the top 15 NFL trade candidates this offseason, and one San Francisco 49ers player made the list — and no, it's not quarterback Mac Jones.
Coming in at No. 9 is 49ers cornerback Renardo Green, whom San Francisco selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Just two seasons into his NFL career, Green is already generating trade speculation. The question is whether the 49ers would truly consider moving a starting outside cornerback so early in his development.
Graziano shared what he's hearing about the scenario, assigning an 80% chance that Green could be traded and identifying the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles as potential suitors.
"He is still only 25 and would have value in a trade," Graziano wrote. "The Niners have a new defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris, and the 2024 second-round pick might not be a scheme fit. Green has just one interception in two NFL seasons, and he seemed to fall out of favor a bit with the coaching staff at times last season."
If the 49ers were to trade Green, it would create a clear need opposite Deommodore Lenoir in the starting lineup. Many analysts already expected San Francisco to explore secondary upgrades this offseason, whether through free agency or the NFL Draft. Moving Green would significantly increase that urgency.
Solak, meanwhile, evaluated Green's film and noted traits that could intrigue interested teams, while also acknowledging areas that may have frustrated the coaching staff.
"Green isn't a particularly big outside corner, but he makes up for it with quickness and aggressiveness," Solak wrote. "Double-digit pass breakups in each of his first two seasons is a testament to that.
"The coaching staff got frustrated with mental lapses and unnecessary aggressiveness last season, and teams will call accordingly to see if Green has run out of time in San Francisco."
With the 49ers reshaping their defense under a new coordinator, Green's future with the team could become a storyline to monitor this offseason.
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