2016 NFL Trade Deadline: Elite Left Tackles Up For Grabs

It is extremely rare for one elite player to be available for trade, let alone two. Perhaps the 2016 NFL trade deadline is about to see this happen.

The Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers are two of the worst teams in the league with a combine one win between them. Since the season is almost half over already it has begun the inevitable switch from competing for the playoffs to stockpiling assets for 2017. That could involve potential trades in exchange for draft picks. This usually includes top veteran players on the roster.

For the Browns and 49ers, it centers around their left tackles. Joe Thomas and Joe Staley have been two of the best in the business for several years. Odds are they still have a couple good seasons left in them, which could make them viable trade options for teams in sore need of blocking help. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explained the situations.

Thomas

"“The Browns will be at the center of the speculation, regarding a potential trade of veteran left tackle Joe Thomas. Last year, the Broncos reportedly were talking to the Browns about a trade for Thomas, and this year’s contending teams are only one injury to a starting tackle away from becoming quickly interested.”"

Staley

"“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.”"

There are plenty of contending teams out there with problems in pass protection. In fact five of the top 10 teams in terms of sacks allowed this season have winning records. If they feel adding a Pro Bowl tackle could be the driving force behind their playoff push, then it’s a move they would have to consider. The problem of course is would the price be worth it?

A 1st or 2nd round pick for two players who are each 32-years old. Yes, Staley and Thomas remain among the best blockers in the NFL but for how much longer? Typically picks that high should be spent on players who could have at least 8-10 years in the league. Shipping them off for 2-3 year rentals is a tremendous risk and more often than not doesn’t work out.

So it will be interesting to see if any team is willing to make that call.