NFL Trade Machine: Joe Staley On The Block
By Erik Lambert
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Premier left tackles don’t become available every day. It takes a unique set of circumstances for that to happen. Now it seems, at least to many that the San Francisco 49ers are in that position. At 2-5 the team appears headed for its first losing season since 2010, opening up the possibility that GM Trent Baalke and his front office may wish to unload some of their more expensive veteran players in exchange for draft picks.
The popular names of late are tight end Vernon Davis and guard Alex Boone, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports indicated that there is certainly widespread interest in Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley.
"“San Francisco has talked to teams about its offensive linemen — guard Alex Boone has some allure from other clubs, while some execs have wondered if San Francisco might entertain dealing even left tackle Joe Staley under the right set of circumstances.”"
At age 31 he is approaching the downside of his tremendous career but is still healthy and playing well. He currently counts $7.6 million against their salary cap and has four years left on his current deal, which he signed last season (six years, $44.65 million). So the NFL trade idea is not totally crazy. All it takes is the right team who are willing to give up a decent draft pick. After all, left tackles of his caliber aren’t available often.
Here are some teams to watch.
Carolina Panthers
It really is the ideal situation. The Carolina Panthers are on the fast track to the playoffs at 6-0, are a running team but have considerable weaknesses up front. One of the primary spots? Left tackle, where journeyman Michael Oher has been serviceable at best but remains a big liability, especially as a run blocker. Adding Staley would be a coup for them, and make their offense infinitely more dangerous.
San Diego Chargers
Despite their recent inability to win tight games, the San Diego Chargers remain steadfast that they still have time to turn things around. One area they really need some help is up front. Left tackle King Dunlap was less than stellar in his first game back from injury while the team is thin at other positions. Staley could stabilize their situation and also give them much-need pop in their running game.
Next: Ranking 5 Teams That Can Stop The New England Patriots
Denver Broncos
Ryan Clady was lost for the season to a torn ACL, leaving rookie Ty Sambrailo to try filling in for him at left tackle. Predictably, it hasn’t gone too well for him or the Denver Broncos. Injury and inconsistency continue to cause him problems, and with the team 6-0 and chasing the Patriots, they need everything clicking. Staley could be their decisive move of the season. He would ensure Peyton Manning is protected and open up their rather dormant ground attack.