Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that, per a source with knowledge of the dynamics, the San Francisco 49ers might be angling to trade tackle Joe Staley for the right price. According to Florio, the 49ers are angling for a first-round pick from a playoff contender for Staley. That means it would be a selection late in the first round.
Playoff teams typically trade from picks 21 through 32 in the first round. Of course, that could be different depending on any draft pick trades that take place. Florio says that Staley has been tied to the same teams that have some degree of interest in Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas. Those teams are the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and New England Patriots.
It is unknown if this information is pure speculation by his "source" or if these teams have a legitimate interest in Staley and not just a tackle in general. The inclusion of NFC West teams Arizona and Seattle seems odd, but not enough to debunk the rumor.
Over the course of the season, Staley has been the 49ers' top graded player per Pro Football Focus – not counting NaVorro Bowman, who is on the injured reserve list. He has been, by far, their best offensive lineman and that has been the case for years.
Staley, who is 32, is under contract through 2019. The trade window closes on Tuesday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. PT.