San Francisco 49ers

5 trade destinations for Torrey Smith

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here are five teams who should seriously consider trading for 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith.

In the midst of yet another disappointing season, the San Francisco 49ers are looking to make some significant changes. One of those changes could involve trading underachieving wide receiver Torrey Smith.

#49ers Torrey Smith latest veteran listed as trade candidate https://t.co/f0xiyuHGvs

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 25, 2016

While Smith hasn’t been the game changer the 49ers were hoping he could be when they signed him following the 2014 season, he’s still the kind of playmaker who could make a difference. The former Baltimore Ravens receiver is still a strong deep threat, leading the NFL in yards per reception last season.

Since having his first 1,000-yard season back in 2013, Smith hasn’t been able to replicate his success. In each year since then, he’s seen his receiving yards decline. What hasn’t changed is Smith’s ability to make big plays. While the 49ers haven’t been able to take advantage of his speed, perhaps some other team could. Smith likely won’t cost much considering his poor performance with San Francisco. Here are five NFL teams who ought to consider trading for Torrey Smith.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Oakland Raiders

Perhaps a move across the bay could be good for Smith. Derek Carr certainly has a better arm than Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert. The Oakland Raiders would benefit from having him as well. While his $9.6 million cap hit for each of the next three seasons is a bit pricey, the Raiders can afford it.

Currently, the Raiders need another deep threat to fit into their vertical passing game. Smith would be a nice complement to Amari Cooper. Should Oakland trade for him, Smith would also allow the Raiders to be more creative and flexible with Michael Crabtree. He would be a nice fit in their offense as they try to win the AFC West. They have the lead, but the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs aren’t too far behind. Smith could help them maintain their lead.

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. New England Patriots

It’s been a while since the New England Patriots had a serious deep threat at receiver. Granted, Tom Brady’s getting older, which is likely playing some part in it. However, they could use the threat of a deep pass to open up their short passing game. As the Patriots have found out over the years, Smith can definitely make big plays. Paired with Chris Hogan, the Patriots could have two great deep threats.

His cap hit would be an issue for New England, but if the Patriots can talk him into renegotiating his contract, perhaps Smith would be willing to stay in New England long-term. Yes, he’s been vocally anti-Pats on Twitter, but New England fans would quickly accept him if he turns out to be a missing piece to their Super Bowl puzzle.

Bill Belichick has had a lot of luck trading for receivers from California. Remember what he did with Randy Moss? Obviously, Smith isn’t nearly as good as Moss, but he has a fairly similar skill set. Smith is a proven winner, having won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and playing a significant role in their playoff run. Belichick has had good luck with reclamation projects in the past. Smith could be another one that pans out.

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins appear to be pretty set at wide receiver. DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder are each averaging over 10 yards per reception. However, other than Jackson, they don’t have any solid deep threats.

Of course, the Redskins would need Smith to agree to restructure his contract in order to make him a long-term fit. With Josh Doctson likely coming back healthy next year, Smith might not even have a spot on their roster next year. But they could trade him this offseason to make it work. They have the cap space to make it work for this season and with the rising cap, Smith’s cap hit might not be a huge issue.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins could use another solid deep threat. This could open up the short passing game and allow their running game to flourish. Keep in mind Smith is very familiar with the DC area and he loves the East Coast. Trading for Torrey Smith would be a very risky move for Washington. However, owner Dan Snyder has never been one to shy away from risks. Smith is a risk that might just pay off, especially with the Redskins so close to being a Super Bowl contender.

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have a problem. They believed their receivers were good enough to complement A.J. Green and take some pressure off him. It turns out they were wrong. If the Bengals fail again this season, there might be some changes in their front office and coaching staff. A desperate front office needs to do what it takes to get another receiver. Smith could be a fairly cheap option.

Cincinnati has the cap space not only to make a move for Smith, but also to keep him in the future. Smith would most likely be willing to renegotiate his contract if it means he gets to play for a winning team. Brandon LaFell has been solid, but not the number two receiver the Bengals had hoped he would be. Smith could fill the void left by Marvin Jones.

The Bengals are quite familiar with Smith, having played against him while he was with the Ravens. They know what he’s capable of and that he has the potential to change games with his speed and big plays. Smith might be just what the Bengals desperate front office needs to buy another year.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have expressed quite a bit of interest in Smith already. According to Ian Rapoport, a deal between the Eagles and 49ers could happen pretty soon.

The Eagles have a need for an experienced, speedy wideout with Jordan Matthews best suited to the middle of the field, Nelson Agholor unable to win consistently outside the numbers and Dorial Green-Beckham still too raw as a route runner.

Although Philadelphia’s 2017 first-round pick went to Cleveland in the Carson Wentz trade, general manager Howie Roseman compensated by picking up Minnesota’s top draft pick in the Sam Bradford swap. The Eagles also have an extra fourth-round selection from the Browns deal.

Roseman has been very bold during his time as Philadelphia’s general manager. He clearly thinks the Eagles need an outside speed threat. Smith fits that need perfectly. While Smith hasn’t been a good fit with the 49ers, he would be a strong fit with a relatively young Eagles team.

Thanks to some excellent trades, Roseman has some extra draft picks, which he could use to acquire a receiver. If Alshon Jeffery doesn’t work out, Smith is the perfect consolation prize. He could be a huge difference maker for an Eagles team which isn’t too far from contending for a Super Bowl.