SF 49ers: 5 players John Lynch needs to have on trade block

No. 3: SF 49ers Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

Unlike Dante Pettis, who still has a respectable draft pedigree and could command some attention from one of any number of head coaches out there, it doesn’t seem likely the SF 49ers could move slot receiver Trent Taylor for any sort of notable compensation.

But that shouldn’t eliminate the idea of trying.

San Francisco’s 2017 fifth-round draft choice is also a pending free agent, cutting down on his value. Yet the prevalence of slot receivers making headway in today’s pass-happy NFL, combined with Taylor’s notable third-down reliance, could convince a buyer to spend a seventh-round pick or potentially engineer a pick swap with the Niners in 2021 or beyond.

Taylor’s injury history the previous two years also cuts down on his value, although John Lynch might want to sell the fact the 5-foot-8 receiver had 19 third-down receptions for a first down his rookie year — tied for most among rookies and ninth among all pass-catchers that season.

As far as the Niners’ use of him goes, it’s pretty evident Taylor’s not fitting into the current offensive breakdown. To date, he has just six catches for 45 yards and has essentially been relegated to a reserve option and return specialist.

If Taylor is no longer part of San Francisco’s future, it would be worth trying to land at least something of value in return.