Joe Staley

New York Giants: Joe Staley Trade Makes Too Much Sense

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

foxsports

October 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes against San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) during the third quarter at Levi

The New York Giants are gunning for a championship. That much is certain give the age of their quarterback and money they spent in free agency.

It’s clear enough that their window is shrinking. If they truly are all in, then there is a reasonable chance they might be active at the NFL trade deadline for more help. It’s a question of what plays they could go for. Of course some help at running back or another pass rusher would jump to the top of peoples’ mind. Both areas are really hurting them. Problem is there aren’t many good ones of either who might be available.

On the other hand it looks like the offensive tackle pool is deeper than normal. Joe Thomas is of course the big name to watch but right behind him is veteran Pro Bowler Joe Staley. After many great years in San Francisco, the 49ers are looking to shop him in exchange for draft help in 2017. Not a surprise given they’re 1-6 with few prospects for this season. Staley is the most valuable piece they have.

It might make perfect sense for the Giants to pursue a possible deal.

Exactly. Best fit Staley is w/ his former OL coach in NY. Remember way back when Giants took Aaron Ross over Staley! https://t.co/EqvyP66snp

— NFL_DRAFT_Bites (@NFLDraftBites) October 26, 2016

For starters, Mike Solari coaches the offensive line in New York. He was the man who helped turn Staley from good player into star with the 49ers from 2010 to 2014. A reunion there, combined with a chance to protect a franchise quarterback would naturally appeal to Staley. From the Giants’ perspective? Ereck Flower just doesn’t seem like he’s making the transition to left tackle as well as the team hoped. Marshall Newhouse is average at best on the right side. Sliding Staley in on the left side and moving Flowers to the right is an instant upgrade.

When Manning feels he’s protected he is deadly. The biggest hurdle to this happening is price. Rumors to date insist the 49ers are looking for a 1st round pick. That is too steep a price for a 32-year old player, even one like Staley. So New York will have to do some negotiating to see if they can get the price down. If it’s a 2nd or 3rd rounder, the price is far more palatable.

The Giants have to consider this move. It could be a potential game-changer for their offense, which ranks dead last in rushing and 26th in scoring. Staley would help in both instances.