In the eyes of media members like myself and droves of 49ers fans across the country, Trent Baalke’s fate should be sealed. The general manager has done so much damage to the franchise, he shouldn’t be allowed to make another roster move come 2017.
Whatever his perception might be, there’s a chance Baalke attempts one final Hail Mary to try and save his job.
He should.
On Monday, the 0-8 Cleveland Browns made a trade with the New England Patriots, acquiring linebacker Jamie Collins in exchange for a third-round pick. Even though Collins is a free agent in 2017, the Browns can franchise tag him next season. An established, productive hybrid pass-rusher, Collins instantaneously became the best player on Cleveland’s roster. In this scenario, for a team in dire need of talent at any position, trading a middle round draft pick is worth the risk.
The strategy the Browns just employed goes against everything Baalke is about. And that’s exactly why CEO Jed York should demand Baalke explore this option.
Instead of shopping veterans Joe Staley and Torrey Smith on the open market, the 49ers should seriously consider adding an established Pro Bowler to fold just like Cleveland did. It’s clear Baalke’s approach of building solely through the draft is not a sustainable way to grow a football team. It’s also clear no free agent in their right mind will consider the 49ers in March, unless the team breaks the bank.
Chicago wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is a free agent in March. Instead of losing their top playmaker for nothing, the Bears would be willing to listen right now. New England’s Dont’a Hightower is one of the top middle linebackers in the league, and also a free-agent-to-be in March. Bill Belichick is clearly willing to deal a player for a draft pick. Obviously, do not trade a first or second round pick. But for a third? Why the hell not?
Granted, other GM’s have unearthed steals in the third round, but it’s not an easy task finding impactful players this late in the draft. Here’s a list of recent third round picks from Baalke.
2016: Will Redmond (still recovering from an ACL tear)
2015: Eli Harold (underachieving pass rusher)
2014: Marcus Martin (backup offensive lineman)
2013: Corey Lemonier (no longer on the team)
2012: No third-round pick
The truth is depressing, but the 49ers won’t be able to wait until free agency to try and sign somebody like Jeffery or Hightower. Established veterans were already weary of signing with San Francisco last offseason — how do you think they’ll feel now?
The 49ers are currently inflicted with a talent problem and they have cap room, upwards of $40 million. They have to be creative with how they acquire talent to the roster. Again, don’t shop first or second round picks. But if it means parting with a third round pick for a bonafide starting player, so be it.
There’s an opportunity to make the 49ers a better football team today. There are teams willing to let quality football players go for a cheaper price because of their impending free agency.
Sadly, a trade like this also gives Baalke an out to York at the end of the season, that at least he attempted to try and fix this mess. He probably has a notebook full of excuses ready to reel off in a meeting with York.
The 49ers don’t need to get younger. They need to get better. And the only way that can happen is before tomorrow’s trade deadline.