San Francisco 49ers

Why It Makes Sense for the 49ers to Trade WR Torrey Smith

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

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A report from ESPN suggests the San Francisco 49ers are trying to move wide receiver Torrey Smith in advance of the 2016 NFL trade deadline. And it makes perfect sense for the Niners to do so.

Late Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the San Francisco 49ers are trying to trade wide receiver Torrey Smith prior to the NFL’s November 1 trade deadline.

Shortly after the report broke, Pro Football Talk reported the Niners had engaged in conversations with the Philadelphia Eagles about a deal involving Smith, although nothing had been finalized.

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) watches the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Houston defeated San Francisco 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

If San Francisco can move Smith, they should. It makes all the sense in the world.

It’s not a knock against the 27-year-old No. 1 wideout for the 49ers. If anything, he’s one of the few offensive playmakers the 1-6 Niners have right now.

The problem is Smith isn’t exactly the type of player who can thrive in a Chip Kelly offense. San Francisco’s head coach runs a scheme predicated on quick released and well-timed passes.

And the 49ers’ quarterback duo of Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert has struggled in that regard as well.

So it’s not a surprise to see Smith — with just 13 receptions, 199 yards and two touchdowns — on pace to have back-to-back career-low seasons.

Why Moving Torrey Smith Makes Sense

Smith, known for his speed, doesn’t have the time to run routes maximizing his skill set. Right there, he’s out of place. And with San Francisco in absolute rebuild mode, and potentially considering a trade involving left tackle Joe Staley, keeping Smith around makes little sense either.

Smith was signed to a five-year, $40 million contract prior to 2015 — general manager Trent Baalke’s biggest free-agent signing of his tenure in San Francisco.

The big contract might make it tough. But as we all know, long-term deals rarely finish the way they were intended to start.

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And Smith probably would thrive in a new environment anyway.

Keep in mind, San Francisco needs as many draft picks as they can get right now. Even a fourth-round pick for Smith would be a solid enough return for Baalke.

And Baalke may be trying to campaign for his current job anyway, considering the state of the 49ers franchise.

With Smith in the prime of his career, such a deal would be a win-win situation for both parties. He would have the chance to play for a contender and make real contributions. San Francisco, who isn’t utilizing him properly anyway, would receive much-needed draft compensation.

Yes, the deal should happen.

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