The 49ers weren’t very good – yet again – in Sunday’s 34-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The defense has major problems and the offense has few dynamic skill players. The result is a team that is 1-6 and in the cellar of the NFC West.
However, one player who did have a solid day Sunday was veteran left tackle Joe Staley. Wes Huber of the analytics website Pro Football Focus gave Staley the second best grade among all Niners offensive players vs. the Bucs, 76.0. That’s in keeping with Staley’s long, strong history with the 49ers. Since being taken in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Staley has been selected to five Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro pick in 2013.
When Chip Kelly was hired as the 49ers’ new head coach, one of the players he spoke most highly of was Staley, 32.
“Joe Staley is one of the most fit, athletic big people you ever want,” Kelly said back in April. “ … He fits perfect (in the offensive scheme). It fits to his skill set.”
Yet with the season almost halfway over and the 49ers already assured of a wretched season – and with little impact talent on the roster – the franchise reportedly is considering trading Staley before the Nov. 1 trade deadline.
A report posted by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk Sunday says the 49ers are discussing their options, and believe Staley could be a lucrative chip in their rebuilding program.
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“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,” Florio wrote.
If the 49ers should trade Staley, their options at left tackle would be few, reports Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Trent Brown, now at right tackle, could flip to the left side, or rookie John Theus could move into Staley’s spot. Guard Zane Beadles also has played tackle in his career, and could make the switch.
