San Francisco better get Patrick Surtain II!
Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers stand at a crucial point in the offseason. Despite an impressive 12-5 record, the team narrowly missed securing the championship. They fell short in Super Bowl 58. Now, with the 2024 NFL offseason looming ahead, the 49ers must undertake strategic maneuvers. Here, we will delve into a prime candidate whom the 49ers should consider targeting in a trade to enhance their lineup. Doing so could elevate their prospects and break their Super Bowl jinx.
The 49ers’ 2023 Season
As the curtains close on the 49ers’ season, attention turns to the tasks ahead for 2024. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch face a relatively manageable workload. That’s given the solid foundation of the San Francisco squad. Yet, impending free agents, trade opportunities, and the upcoming 2024 draft class all demand careful consideration.
The 49ers’ Offseason Outlook
The 49ers need cap space. The future of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also poses a significant factor in this equation. Aiyuk, slated to play on the fifth-year option, could potentially become a valuable trade asset if contract negotiations falter.
Although reports suggest the 49ers are reluctant to trade Aiyuk, an enticing offer could prompt a shift in strategy. Remember also that the 2024 draft class boasts depth in the receiver position. This means acquiring a new second wideout on a rookie contract emerges as a viable option.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has excelled for the 49ers but enters the final year of his contract. Trading him would free up $6.8 million in cap space. Additionally, addressing the need for an upgrade at right tackle may involve leveraging Colton McKivitz as part of any solution.
Here we will look at the perfect trade that the San Francisco 49ers must complete during this year’s 2024 NFL offseason.
Trade for Patrick Surtain II
49ers get: CB Patrick Surtain II
Broncos get: 2024 first-round pick and LB Dre Greenlaw
Former 49ers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks lacked confidence in his cornerbacks’ coverage abilities. This resulted in soft zones being deployed during critical moments of the fourth quarter. In Super Bowl 58, neither Deommodore Lenoir nor Logan Ryan could keep pace with the Chiefs’ wide receivers. In an ideal scenario, Charvarius Ward would have shadowed Rashee Rice or Travis Kelce on every play. However, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
To address this vulnerability, the 49ers could strengthen their roster by acquiring cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Reports indicate that they pursued a trade with the Denver Broncos for Surtain during this year’s trade deadline. However, they ultimately balked at the steep asking price. Now as the offseason approaches, though, the 49ers shouldn’t hesitate to pursue Surtain once again.
Doing a deal like this means the 49ers have an opportunity to significantly enhance their roster in the upcoming 2024 offseason. Targeting Patrick Surtain II could be the game-changing move the 49ers need to solidify their secondary.
In exchange for Surtain, the 49ers would part ways with their 2024 first-round pick and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Despite ranking 14th in passing yards allowed, San Francisco’s secondary faced challenges throughout the regular season and playoffs. Surtain represents a prime target due to his exceptional talent and potential impact.
