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The 49ers abandoned their chance to draft a top-tier offensive tackle on Thursday night, when they traded the 13th pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for pick 14, where they drafted Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs. That came after NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco said on KNBR that “I kinda doubt” that Joe Staley will return to the 49ers this season. General manager John Lynch said on Monday that he hadn’t heard anything to indicate Staley wouldn’t return.
“We’ve kept in good contact with Joe. He’s doing his typical routine down with this family in San Diego, working out and we’re encouraged,” Lynch said. “We’ve heard nothing that would lead us to believe that Joe’s not going to play. So, we are encouraged with that. We’ll see where that goes. That is something with each and every player particularly as they get closer, you give them that time that they need, but we are encouraged that Joe’s going to be a part of us moving forward.”
Lynch was exactly full-forced in that statement that Staley would return, and just like it happened when Redskins left tackle Trent Williams requested a trade and then sat out all of last year, there is a report, from Julie Donaldson of NBC Sports, that the 49ers may be interested in Williams, a seven-time Pro Bowler (in seven-straight seasons) who turns 32 in July. Williams’ contract is worth $14.5 million this year, which would be moot if Staley, 35, due $12.5 million, retires. Obviously the only way a trade happens is if Staley retires.
Trent Williams agent has said an NFC team is interested, believed to be 49ers – per sources. Makes sense. Kyle Shanahan was w/ the Redskins when Trent was drafted, Joe Staley is 35, want to win now. No deal has been made. Also, does not appear MINN has any interest at this time.
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) April 24, 2020
Head coach Kyle Shanahan coached Williams when he was the offensive coordinator with the Redskins from 2010-2013.