Joe Staley Trade Rumors: Latest News and Speculation on 49ers OT

The Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline is approaching, and San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Joe Staley is one potential candidate to be moved.

Continue for updates.

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Kelly Comments on Staley Trade Rumors

Monday, Oct. 24

"That's news to me," 49ers head coach Chip Kelly told reporters. "Nobody's had any discussions with me about Joe being traded. We need Joe here."

"We've never had a conversation about that," Kelly added.

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Multiple Teams Interested in Staley

Monday, Oct. 24

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Sunday that the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and, "if the 49ers are willing to take whatever they can get," New England Patriots have been tied to Staley in possible trade talks.

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole confirmed Florio's report on Monday:

Florio pointed out the Cleveland Browns would be willing to trade Joe Thomas for a second-round pick but cited a source who said San Francisco wants a first-rounder for Staley.

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Staley Cemented Among Top Offensive Linemen

Talent isn't much of a question with Staley. He has been to the last five Pro Bowls, and Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus said he was one of just six offensive tackles in the entire league who landed a grade of 84.0 or higher as a pass- and run-blocker by the website’s metrics last year.

Despite playing in just nine games in each of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, he has been durable for much of his career and appeared in all 16 contests in his other seven campaigns since he was drafted in the first round in 2007.

However, the 1-6 49ers are in rebuilding mode under first-year coach Chip Kelly, and they likely won’t be serious contenders until the 32-year-old tackle is well out of his prime. If they ultimately trade Staley, they can accelerate that rebuilding process with a draft pick and the younger player who inevitably comes with it.

He is under contract through the 2019 season, which means a potential suitor could benefit from his play for the foreseeable future. However, Staley’s base salary increases from $5.4 million this year to $8.25 million in 2017, per Florio.

If a team does land Staley, it will get a veteran presence along the offensive front who has been to the Super Bowl and can effectively protect the quarterback and open holes for the rushing attack. It is just a question of how much a front office is willing to give up for an expensive tackle who is likely on the wrong side of his prime.