Trading for a left tackle is the only trade the 49ers should consider

As appealing of a trade for Jalen Ramsey sounds, cornerback is not a pressing need for the San Francisco 49ers. If they are to make a trade at any position, it should be at left tackle.

The latest trade demands from Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey have caused quite a stir among NFL fan bases. It’s only natural that some fans would want their team to go after these big name players. They can easily improve their team from the moment they step on the field.

It’s why the Pittsburgh Steelers traded a first round pick for Fitzpatrick. Ramsey is likely the next player who will come at a high price. However, a trade for a defensive back is not the type of trade the San Francisco 49ers should pursuing.

If there is any trade the 49ers should consider, it should be for a left tackle.

With the recent injury to Joe Staley, who will be out for about eight weeks, rookie tackle Justin Skule slides in as the temporary replacement. The 49ers are putting Jimmy Garoppolo at risk by entrusting a rookie, who was a sixth round draft choice, to protect his blindside.

It’s not an ideal scenario for Garoppolo who has been an injury prone player. Now for all we know, Skule could actually be sufficient over these next eight weeks. Crazier things have happened, so there is a chance he is decent.

But that’s a big roll of the dice for the 49ers.

I’m not 100% advocating for a trade at left tackle. But If they do, Trent Williams could be a player of interest, which would essentially end Joe Staley’s tenure as a 49er. A trade for a defensive back makes no sense right now given how well the defense has played.

Richard Sherman is still elite, Ahkello Witherspoon has stepped up big time and Jason Verrett has yet to take a snap. Cornerback is not as glaring of a need as we thought entering the season. What is a glaring need is at left tackle.

The 49ers are looking more and more like legitimate playoff contenders. Those hopes could easily disintegrate with poor left tackle play that could lead to an injury for Garoppolo. The only trade the San Francisco 49ers should make is at left tackle and nothing else.