The 49ers already traded Deebo Samuel, but they may look to move other assets before the start of the league new year.
The San Francisco 49ers already indicated big changes are afoot this offseason by trading away wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
Despite absorbing a $31.5 million cap hit while getting a mere fifth-round draft pick in return,
Samuel's trade won't go official until the start of the NFL new year, which kicks off on March 12. But, in light of the Niners' desire to save cash while getting younger and cheaper, it's possible general manager John Lynch looks to make more moves.
Heck, even ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested San Francisco might be "open" to trading anyone at this point.
If that's the case, a trade involving one of these three players might be imminent.
No. 1: WR Brandon Aiyuk to Raiders
An offseason ago, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was nearly dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers when his contract extension talks stalled, only to be pulled off the trade block at the last minute.
Aiyuk's extension, combined with the fact he suffered a serious ACL and MCL tear in Week 7 last year, makes a would-be trade awfully difficult and risky, especially for the acquiring team. In light of recent reports suggesting the 49ers' front office isn't exactly thrilled with Aiyuk and the extension he received, it might not be out of the question to at least try.
The Niners have reportedly fielded calls for Aiyuk already, and it's theoretically possible one of those teams is the Las Vegas Raiders, who need offensive weaponry in the biggest of ways.
Armed with nearly $97 million in salary cap space, while knowing their top pick (No. 6 overall) is likely pegged for a quarterback in light of a weak receiver class, the Raiders can afford to be patient with Aiyuk's recovery, banking on a lengthy rebuild after bringing in Pete Carroll to be their new head coach.
No. 2: DT Javon Hargrave to Steelers
Late last season, San Francisco made it clear Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave wasn't going to be part of its long-term plans, restructuring his contract and preparing for a post-June 1 designated release.
If the 49ers can get something in return, though, shipping Hargrave off to the Pittsburgh Steelers where he spent the first four years of his career might be more likable.
There's an unconfirmed rumor the Niners are "heavily shopping" Hargrave on the trade market.
If so, at least according to Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan, some within the Steelers front office would want nothing more than to bring the 32 year old back.
Should this happen, San Francisco would absorb a hefty dead-cap hit but wouldn't owe Hargrave another dime, getting more draft capital back in exchange while opening the door for younger talent.
No. 3: RB Jordan Mason to Chargers
The 49ers will welcome All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey back into the fray in 2025 after suffering an injury-depleted year last season. But this return effectively makes the 2024 standout, Jordan Mason, something of an expendable commodity, especially in light of fellow rusher Isaac Guerendo's promising rookie campaign.
Mason, a restricted free agent who was the NFL's No. 2 leading rusher for much of last year, is also reportedly garnering trade interest, and it wouldn't be a horrible idea for the Niners to "sell high" after he impressed in a fill-in role a season ago.
Two 49ers things Matthew Berry said he heard at the Combine:
-“Don’t be surprised if Jordan Mason gets dealt”
-49ers and Brock Purdy are “still fairly far apart” on a deal.
FWIW, he notes these are not reports, just what he heard. pic.twitter.com/6WzR7KMdsC
— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) March 4, 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers, whose run game didn't quite impress in 2024 despite having run-heavy offensive coordinator Greg Roman at the helm, are poised to lose top tailback J.K. Dobbins to free agency, meaning a door would be open to potentially trading for a player like Mason.
Unlike Aiyuk and Hargrave, trading Mason wouldn't hamper San Francisco much by the way of money owed, and there's a chance the running back could generate the biggest return, draft capital-wise, because of it.
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