49ers follow Rams' lead with blockbuster trade, move up to No. 3 overall
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
Cameron DaSilva
There will be two new franchise quarterbacks in the NFC West next season. After the Los Angeles Rams traded for Matthew Stafford, the San Francisco 49ers have made an equally aggressive move to land their next signal caller … presumably.
On Friday, the 49ers traded up from No. 12 overall to No. 3 in the 2021 NFL draft, sending two additional first-round picks and a third-rounder to the Dolphins. There’s a 99.9% chance this move is to land a quarterback, given the timing and the cost to make the deal happen.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade between the 49ers and Dolphins.
49ers trade:
2021 12th overall pick
2021 3rd-round pick
2022 1st-round pick
2023 1st-round pick
Dolphins trade:
2021 3rd overall pick
It’s not the exact same haul as the one the Rams gave up for Stafford, but it is somewhat similar. The Rams also gave up two additional first-round picks, a third-rounder this year and Jared Goff to land their new quarterback.
Los Angeles’ deal is for a proven passer, while the 49ers will be getting a rookie to build around for the foreseeable future.
Rams trade:
Jared Goff
2021 3rd-round pick
2022 1st-round pick
2023 1st-round pick
Lions trade:
Matthew Stafford
The 49ers won’t tip their hand on who they plan to take at No. 3 overall, but there are a few options. Trevor Lawrence will almost certainly be the No. 1 pick by the Jaguars, which puts the Jets on the clock at No. 2.
New York could go with Zach Wilson, Trey Lance or Justin Fields with the second pick, which would leave the 49ers with their pick of two potential franchise quarterbacks. They don’t know who the Jets are targeting but they’re clearly comfortable getting any of the top four quarterbacks in the class.
Regardless of who the 49ers draft, there will be a new franchise quarterback in the NFC West to join Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and Stafford. And after this trade, the Cardinals are the only team in the division with a 2022 first-round pick.
The Rams traded theirs for Stafford, the 49ers just traded theirs for No. 3 overall and the Seahawks traded theirs in the package for Jamal Adams.
