NFL rumors: 5 teams that should trade for A.J. Green
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are clearly in the market for a wide receiver, with rumors attaching them to Antonio Brown and general manager John Lynch confirming their long-rumored interest in Odell Beckham Jr.
John Lynch on @KNBR regarding Odell Beckham Jr.: "I think, ironically, the fact that we had the No. 2 pick made it more difficult because they wanted that badly. They wanted two No. 1s. And we weren't willing to part with that. It was too valuable of a pick."
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 29, 2019
Marquise Goodwin averaged 17.2 yards per catch last year, and hopes are high for Dante Pettis heading toward his second NFL season. Beyond them Trent Taylor and Jordan Matthews are just complementary pieces, so the need for a proven, game-changing wide receiver remains for the 49ers.
The point of no return in trade talks for Beckham was New York’s desire for the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft. So if the Bengals somehow didn’t notice Lynch’s comments and want the same as the centerpiece of a deal for Green, that would end talks quickly.
Green would come off as something of a consolation prize for the 49ers, if Cincinnati even entertains trade offers. But in the end he might be a better fit in San Francisco than Brown or Beckham, with no real off-field drama and comparable production.