Should the 49ers consider trading left tackle Joe Staley?

The San Francisco 49ers are making a few moves in NFL free agency that could make an immediate impact on the 2018 football season. General manager John Lynch is addressing his needs brick by brick, but would he consider trading one of his cornerstone tackles, Joe Staley?

The San Francisco 49ers are open for business in this years free agency market. General manager John Lynch is making critical decisions in addressing his roster, but would he make a move that would truly impact the organization?

Would he trade left tackle Joe Staley?

All 32 teams in the league are either in talks with players, interested in trades or definitely making big moves to make their organization competitive.

The Cleveland Browns are an organization making tremendous moves in free agency. And why not? Having cap space hovering around $78 million, the Browns are in a position to go out and land them some big names.

Cleveland’s 2018 signings thus far:

• QB Tyrod Taylor
• CB Damarious Randall
• WR Jarvis Landry
• RB Carlos Hyde
• LB Christian Kirksey (extension)
• CB T.J. Carrie
• OL Chris Hubbard
• DL Chris Smith
• OT Donald Stephenson
• TE Darren Fells
• CB Terrance Mitchell

To say the Browns are making a splash  in free agency is an absolute understatement.

However, veteran left tackle Joe Thomas dropped a bomb on the Browns, announcing his sudden retirement. After 11 years of distinguished service with 10 Pro Bowl selections to his credit, Thomas is headed to greener pastures outside the NFL gridiron.

With Thomas’ retirement being a shock to the Browns, they now have to solidify the left tackle position this year.

Right now.

The best offensive tackle in free agency was Nate Solder, formerly of the New England Patriots. However, Solder is now a New York Giant and is out of discussion.

The Browns have draft capital coming out of their ears. Owning two first-round selections, with three second-round selections, gives the Browns five picks within the first 65 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Staley has been a cornerstone to the 49ers offense over the years. Giving the 49ers everything he has in his heart, Staley will for sure be one of the greats to suit up in the scarlet and gold.

The Browns have a serious need at left tackle. They can, no doubt, secure OT Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame if they wanted too. But by the looks of things, general manager John Dorsey wants to secure veterans to bolster his roster.

Holding onto Staley would show loyalty and true love for the Pro Bowl tackle. However, Lynch has the chance to strike while the iron’s hot.

At 33 years old and due to be an unrestricted free agent in 2020, Staley is also due to make close to $16 million in the next two years. Combine his age with contract, the 49ers could trade Staley away to the Browns, making a big-time move to accrue draft picks and possibly attain a couple of second-round picks the Browns have in this year’s draft.

I doubt the Browns would part with their prized first-round selections: Nos.1 and 4 overall. But the trade value would have to make sense for both parties. Lynch would have the opportunity to barter a deal, where securing second-round picks would prove instrumental in building his franchise.

Demanding the Browns’  Nos. 33 and 35 overall is not out of the realm of conversation. In fact, the 49ers could ask for their fourth-round pick (No. 114 overall) as well, and the trade would be more than fair.

If that trade was to happen, the 49ers would be able to strategically place the organization in attaining the likes of some serious top talent. Securing an EDGE and linebacker in the NFL Draft would be no problem.

Free agency is moving lightning quick. And the Browns are moving quickly in making deals.

In my opinion, as much as I love Staley, the future of the 49ers organization has the golden opportunity to vastly improve, should Lynch reach out to Dorsey, and somehow pull off a trade that makes sense.