It was disappointing, if not all that surprising, for San Francisco 49ers fans to see defensive coordinator Robert Saleh depart for a head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans following the 2025 season.
Saleh's departure could actually create an opportunity for the Niners, though.
The Titans have an exciting young player who could help San Francisco on offense, and the Niners can afford to part with a breakout player on defense.
Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is a player who would have made a lot of sense for the 49ers in last year's NFL Draft. The Stanford product seemed to be an impressive red-zone threat coming out of college, but he ended up being taken by the Titans in the fourth round.
A would-be 49ers-Titans trade makes sense for both sides
Ayomanor had a solid rookie season in Tennessee, playing in 16 games and recording 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns.
The Niners could be in need of a big infusion of talent at wide receiver this offseason. Three receivers are set to hit free agency, and obviously Brandon Aiyuk's time with San Francisco is about to come to a close. With players like Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, and Jacob Cowing being some of the only wideouts under contract next season, it's clear the 49ers need to add there.
Ayomanor would be an ideal addition. General manager John Lynch has a soft spot for Stanford guys, so it would be an addition that makes sense for a number of reasons.
What would the Niners have to give up to acquire him, though?
How about linebacker Tatum Bethune? The Florida State product was thrust into a starting role after Fred Warner went down with an ankle injury. He played very well given the circumstances, recording 94 tackles on the year including one sack and four tackles for loss.
With Warner set to return next season, the Niners might feel comfortable trading Bethune away if it means they can address another area of need on the roster. The Titans could use an infusion of talent on defense, and Bethune would be a solid young player whom Saleh has already seen up close.
Would the Titans be alright with a straight-up trade? Maybe the Niners would have to sweeten the deal a little by adding a late-round pick, but one could argue that both players would be equally valuable to their new respective teams.
The connection with Saleh could make a trade a little easier to pull off, and it would give an old friend a solid player while also bringing in a receiver with some upside, so the Niners should definitely explore a deal like this.