SF 49ers: 5 trade targets for John Lynch before 2020 deadline
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Target No. 1: Center Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons
OK, a blockbuster. But a rational one.
Veteran center Alex Mack has his connections with Kyle Shanahan back when both were with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 during their own Super Bowl run. And with the Falcons firing head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff after the team’s 0-5 start, it’s entirely possible a new-look front office would be willing to clear assets in exchange for all the pieces to usher in a new rebuild.
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At 34 years old, Mack still has some time left in his NFL career, but his age could drive down the asking price considerably, at least far enough away from a first- or second-round draft pick in return.
Some caveats.
Acquiring Mack would all but ensure the Niners were giving up on their current center, Weston Richburg, who remains shelved on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered last season. Mack, a free agent in 2021, currently commands a cap hit of $10.6 million for this season, so a contractual move would be workable. Meanwhile, moving on from Richburg’s own lucrative contract would be tricky, although he commands zero in guaranteed money next season and beyond.
Still, Mack could be a valuable upgrade at center this season. And if re-signed in 2021 on the cheap, he’d be an excellent bridge for Shanahan until someone younger could be identified.
Next. 5 prospects in 2021 NFL Draft who can fix 49ers O-line woes. dark
The 2020 NFL trade deadline is Thursday, Oct. 29.