The San Francisco 49ers have had one of the more interesting off-seasons in the NFL. Since the end of the season when they lost in the NFC Championship game, people around the NFL began to speculate how this roster could change.
With training camp on the horizon, there are still several questions surrounding this team. They have still not reached an agreement with star-wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Jimmy Garoppolo could soon be on his way out. And they are set to let second-year quarterback Trey Lance take over.
Many believe that this roster is good enough to win a Super Bowl. With star power on both sides of the ball and a surplus of talent at certain positions, they are built to win now. And yet, they could still make the roster even better. Through several trades, there is still room to improve.
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3 potential trade candidates for the 49ers
3. Dee Ford, DE
Dee Ford was once among the best pass rushers in the NFL. But in recent seasons, the former first-round pick has begun to slow down. He has struggled to stay on the field over the last two seasons. He has played in just seven total games during this stretch.
In just six games last season, Ford recorded just five total tackles, three sacks, and four quarterback hits. He did this while playing in just 106 total snaps.
At 31 years old, Ford could still contribute in some way. There's no reason to think that he couldn't help impact a team trying to win a championship.
In 85 career games, Ford has filled the defensive stat sheet. He has 40 career sacks, 159 total tackles, and 44 tackles for loss. He has also added 12 forced fumbles and 79 quarterback hits.
Talks have circulated around Ford and the 49ers, with there being a belief that the 49ers could release him. The 49ers could potentially hold out on releasing him, in hopes they could get something in return. A team could be willing to send the 49ers a late-round pick to acquire Ford. Adding a veteran of his presence could be helpful to a defense.
2. Trey Sermon, RB
A trade surrounding Trey Sermon would come as a surprise, but it is still a possibility. The 49ers added the former Oklahoma and Ohio State running back in the third round of the 2021 draft.
Unfortunately for Sermon, he played in just nine games throughout his rookie season. After being plagued by injuries, Sermon never found his footing in the 49ers backfield. Sermon was beaten out by fellow rookie, and sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell.
In Sermon’s nine appearances, he recorded just 167 rushing yards and one touchdown on 41 attempts. He also caught three receptions for 26 yards.
His performance during his rookie season was drastically different than what he did while in college. Between his time at Oklahoma and Ohio State, he rushed for 2,946 yards and 26 touchdowns. He added another 48 receptions, 486 receiving yards, and three touchdowns through the air.
With the production of Mitchell, plus having Jeff Wilson on the roster, Sermon could be the odd man out. The 49ers also added LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price in the third round of this year's draft.
With Sermon being just 23 years old, nearly any other team would be willing to add him to their roster. He is not far removed from a historic collegiate career. There’s no season to believe he still can't find his footing in the NFL.
1. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
Jimmy Garoppolo has held down the starting quarterback duties for the 49ers for the past few seasons. And when he has been healthy, they have looked solid. But with the 49ers looking to give second-year quarterback Trey Lance the keys to the castle, Garoppolo may finally be on the way out.
While Garoppolo has seemingly been on the trade market for the past few months, the 49ers finally permitted him to seek a trade out himself.
Garoppolo has started 45 games with the San Francisco 49ers. He has posted a record of 31-14 in these games.
In terms of on the field production, he has also produced. He has thrown for 11162 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions.
Over his last three seasons, Garoppolo has led the 49ers to both an NFC Championship appearance, and a trip to the Super Bowl. But this isn't enough to prevent the 49ers from moving on.
Garoppolo's inability to stay healthy, paired with his big contract is also a potential factor. He has played a full season just once since joining the 49ers.
A trade centered around Garoppolo could be coming shortly. The veteran quarterback still has good football left in the tank, but it seems like his time in San Francisco is coming to an end.
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