When a star edge rusher like Myles Garrett says he wants to traded, you already know San Francisco 49ers fans are going to be champing at the bit to acquire a player of that caliber.
However, one trade proposal that was thrown out there should be a nonstarter.
Garrett publicly announced his desire to be traded from the Cleveland Browns, and while the Niners trading for him would be unlikely for several reasons, among them money and Cleveland's desire to keep him, they would be foolish to not at least kick the tires on a trade for Garrett.
Adding Garret would give San Francisco the most fearsome pass rush in the NFL with Garrett and Nick Bosa trying to sack opposing quarterbacks. Needless to say quarterbacks would be getting rid of the ball very quick against the Niners if they got Garrett.
However, the 49ers need to be smart in a potential trade for Garrett. While they should definitely be willing to part with draft capital, things could get dicey if they start trading important players on the team.
One such trade idea from 49ers commentator Steph Sanchez involves the Niners sending quarterback Brock Purdy to Cleveland as part of a package that would bring back Garrett.
Discussed on 49K Pod today: If Browns entertain the 49ers on a Myles Garrett trade but only if Brock Purdy is included in a deal, would you proceed or hang up the phone?
— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) February 4, 2025
Brock Purdy should be removed from all Myles Garrett trade talk
Of course, it should be noted this is just an idea and there is no reporting to suggest San Francisco would consider a deal like this, but it is a fun thought exercise.
The case for trading Purdy would be that adding Garrett would make San Francisco's defense so formidable that it would not even matter that much who the quarterback was.
The flip side of that coin is that even with Garrett, the 49ers need to put up points on offense, and the options San Francisco would have if Purdy left are not the most exciting. The Niners would probably have to take a chance on a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, or Sam Darnold. There are no guarantees with any of that bunch, and Purdy is better than any of them.
Plus, Purdy is still young at the age of 25. The Niners have the chance to lock down their quarterback for the rest of this decade. We know, when he is at his best, he can lead the team to the Super Bowl. The 49ers cannot get rid of that opportunity even if it would bring back a great player like Garrett.
It's a fun idea to debate even if it is not tethered to reality, but under no circumstances should the Niners entertain trading Purdy for Garrett.