There’s no doubt the 49ers’ roster is loaded with talent, but just how valuable is San Francisco’s star player?
While the 49ers are undoubtedly all in their pursuit of the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl title, we imagine an alternate universe where they want to break out. What raise could they get in return if they traded their star?
In his latest column, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell took a look at every NFL player he thinks is worth at least a first-round pick. Spoiler alert: The 49ers don’t have one, two or three… but six
Two first-round picks and more: FROM Nick Bosa
“Outside of a torn ACL that cost him most of the 2020 season, Bosa’s resume is impeccable,” Barnwell writes. “He has Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards before turning 26, averaged 13.5 sacks per 17 games and is widely regarded as an excellent two-way defender.”
One first-round pick and more: LB Fred Warner, RB Christian McCaffrey
“[Warner] is one of the few players who really transcends his position,” explains Barnwell.
“The same can be said for McCaffrey, who has reached new heights since joining the 49ers in a much smaller trade package last year. The capital the 49ers sent, after all, was some kind of first-round pick, but he has to be worth more . after dominating the league in the form of San Francisco.”
One first-round pick: WR Brandon Aiyuk, S Talanoa Hufanga, QB Brock Purdy
“Aiyuk has come into his own this season,” adds Barnwell. “He’s averaging just under 4.0 yards per route, and even if that absurd efficiency didn’t hold, his numbers would look more nuclear if he had an offense that asked him to run more routes.
“Hufanga showed himself as a defensive player and hitter in his rookie season a year ago when he was named a first-team All-Pro.
“Purdy will make less than $3 million combined over the next three years. He may not be the best quarterback in football, as QBR suggests, but if he’s a good starter, this will be the biggest deal in the league between now and and 2025.”
Believe it or not, the 49ers have even more star players that could earn them significant draft capital. However, Barnwell believes they will be under first-round price tags. The 49ers have one of, if not the best, roster in the NFL and look set to be successful for years to come. But if they reverse course and fall apart in a stunning turn of events, the rebuild could be accelerated by seven potential first-round picks and plenty of other draft capital.
It’s safe to say that no player, coach, executive or member of the 49ers Faithful wants or expects that to happen anytime soon.
Barnwell claims the 49ers have six players worthy of a first-round pick
There’s no doubt, the 49ers’ roster is loaded with talent, but just how valuable is San Francisco’s star-studded cast?
While the 49ers are undoubtedly all in their pursuit of the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl title, we imagine an alternate universe where they want to break out. What raise could they get in return if they traded their star?
In his latest column, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell took a look at every NFL player he thinks is worth at least a first-round pick. Spoiler alert: The 49ers have not one, not two, not three … but six.
Two first-round picks and more: FROM Nick Bosa
“Outside of a torn ACL that cost him most of the 2020 season, Bosa’s resume is impeccable,” Barnwell writes. “He has Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards before turning 26, averaged 13.5 sacks per 17 games and is widely regarded as an excellent two-way defender.”
One first-round pick and more: LB Fred Warner, RB Christian McCaffrey
“[Warner] is one of the few players who really transcends his position,” explains Barnwell.
“The same can be said for McCaffrey, who has reached new heights since joining the 49ers in a much smaller trade package last year. The capital the 49ers sent, after all, was some kind of first-round pick, but he has to be worth more . after dominating the league in the form of San Francisco.”
“Aiyuk has come into his own this season,” adds Barnwell. “He’s averaging just under 4.0 yards per route, and even if that absurd efficiency didn’t hold, his numbers would look more nuclear if he had an offense that asked him to run more routes.
“Hufanga showed himself as a defensive player and hitter in his rookie season a year ago when he was named a first-team All-Pro. “Purdy will make less than $3 million combined over the next three years. He may not be the best quarterback in football, as QBR suggests, but if he’s a good starter, this will be the biggest deal in the league between now and and 2025.”
Believe it or not, the 49ers have even more star players that could earn them significant draft capital. However, Barnwell believes they will be under first-round price tags.
The 49ers have one of, if not the best, roster in the NFL and look set to be successful for years to come. But if they reverse course and fall apart in a stunning turn of events, the rebuild could be accelerated by seven potential first-round picks and plenty of other draft capital. It’s safe to say that no player, coach, executive or member of the 49ers Faithful wants or expects that to happen anytime soon.
