I'm really starting to re-think what we should do to get things turned around. With all the key injuries on the O-Line, Bortles play seemingly on the decline and the coaching staff not having a plan in place to adjust to the situation, drafting to replace older, high priced, outgoing defensive players doesn't seem like the right strategy anymore. Something has to be done on the offensive side of the ball and all these high priced, "stars" on defense, just aren't getting it done. I'm not saying we need to dismantle the defense, but maybe we should take one or two of those high priced defensive stars and dangle them as trade bait in order to get immediate help on the offensive side of the football. One idea was mentioned earlier and I believe it is worth bringing back up. Dante Fowler is likely gone after this season. The Niners need a solid pass rusher. We need immediate help on the O-Line. Joe Staley is 34 years old, but graded out as the 2nd best LT in the NFL in 2017. Regardless, San Francisco will likely be looking to draft his replacement fairly soon. The Rams went out and got Andrew Whitworth in free agency and he's even older than Staley. That move worked out great for L.A. I'd at least call the Niners and see if we could work a trade. I'd offer Fowler, Wells and a 3rd or 4th round selection in order to acquire Staley. It would definitely all be dependent on Fowler agreeing to sign a long term deal with the Niners, but it's worth seeing if a deal could get done. If so, I'd immediately install Staley at LT and Robinson would move to RT in 2019. I'd cut Jeremy Parnell and I'd use our 2nd round in 2019 to find an OG, as Cann is an UFA and I'd let him walk. By adding Staley, I truly believe we'd be upgrading both the LT and RT positions, as I believe Robinson has a much better future on the right side. Possibly Pro Bowl potential. 

Terron Armstead is another OT I would inquire about. Obviously he is younger and would cost more, but he graded out as one of the top 5-7 LT's in 2017. I believe he would be worth the cost. This could be Drew Brees' signed a massive 2 year deal which keeps him in New Orleans through 2019. The Saints may be looking to save some money and they did draft Ryan Ramzyk who has looked pretty darn good and was a LT in college. If they decided to trade Armstead, Ramzyk could slide over to the left side, so acquiring him would not be so far fetched. The Saints are probably better at both OT positions, than almost any other team in the league. I wouldn't be opposed to trading a high draft pick or a "star defensive" player at this point, maybe a combination, in order to fix problems on the offense. Especially for a guy like Armstead, who is at the pinnacle of his career. 


Obviously, this doesn't fix our QB situation, underwhelming play by the defense or poor game planning by the coaches, but one step at a time.

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