According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 49ers will send the Redskins a 2020 fifth-round pick and a 2021 third-round pick in exchange for the star left tackle. …
The 49ers draft of 2020 is proving to pay dividends in odd ways. The team used picks last season to acquire Bosa, Ford, and Sanders. This left the this years draft in a compromised position. Yes, the first round has looked productive, though interesting - as the team also peddled upwards to get Aiyuk. The 49ers, in the face of veteran-awesome Joe Staley likely retiring, needed to plug an immediate hole at left tackle. The team reached an agreement with Washington sending a 5th this year, and a 3rd (likely near end of round next year) to the Redskins to get Trent Williams.On the one hand, it's hard to argue that the team would be where they are without the moves for Bosa, Ford, and Sanders. Similarly, it's hard to argue that you can get a star-starting quality left tackle or better out of a 3rd round and 5th round draft pick. So on the surface, given a need to fill the tackle spot, this move makes considerable sense. I have to wonder though, if the team would have been better packaging up the same picks to move into the 2nd round to find an offensive tackle.
Great teams stockpile picks, they don't mortgage their futures... and I hate the idea of giving away future picks. I am worried this is short-sighted. There is hope the team is able to get some value back in this year or next year's draft for receiver Marquise Goodwin, but that's simply smoke and mirrors at this point.
Though it sounds like Williams and the 49ers are near agreement on a restructured contract (he only has a year left), this will be a pricey arrangement, certainly more pricey than a second round draft pick would be. Williams also missed all of last season, and so there is the additional risk that he won't return to form.
I am absolutely torn on this move. But I am cut up about the likely news that Joe Staley will retire. Staley embodies being a 49er, and if anyone deserved that Super Bowl win, it was him.