3 players 49ers could trade before 2019 deadline

No. 1: Defensive End Solomon Thomas

It’s pretty clear the 49ers aren’t going to get a decent return from their top investment from the 2017 NFL Draft, defensive end Solomon Thomas.

Thomas, whose rookie campaign saw him played out of position, suffered more setbacks last year following the tragic death of his sister, Ella. 2019 was the year in which Thomas was to play with a new sense of purpose, of rigor.

San Francisco 49ers

So far, though, the results haven’t been spectacular.

Thomas has a sack on the season, yes. But only six tackles and two quarterback hits. More importantly, the Niners have played the former Stanford standout on just 56 snaps, which equates to slightly under 30 percent of defensive snaps in total.

He’s turned into a rotational player, nothing more.

But Thomas still has the “potential” upside, which makes him a movable commodity. Niner Noise explored the idea already, and it appears Jake Gordon of Sports Talk ATL feels he’d be a good fit for the Atlanta Falcons, too:

"Is there an effort problem [with Thomas]? Is it a coaching problem? Is it a scheme fit? Who knows. However, I think with the Falcons dead last in this division, Thomas is worth the gamble as a low risk, high reward piece for now and beyond 2019. Remember, Takk McKinley is the only edge rusher Atlanta has signed past this season. Thomas is only 24-years-old and under contract through 2021."

Again, the 49ers wouldn’t be getting a solid return for any Thomas deal. But they’d get something, freeing up some of those depth spots for other players who’ll come cheaper and won’t have the same level of expectations.

The 2019 NFL trade deadline is Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. ET.