/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66291758/usa_today_11546518.0.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals need help along the defensive line.
Some of that will come from their own players returning from injuries, but most will come from free agency and the NFL Draft.
However, our friends at Niners Nation have brought up something interesting:
The idea was to trade Thomas to get that $4 million and have it available for someone like Arik Armstead or DeForest Buckner who need it for their deals.
Here’s the thing, while I’m not near as down on Solomon Thomas as some people are, he’s not worth $4 million, at least not from what we’ve seen. And the NFL at-large isn’t going to give up draft capital for a guy costing $4 million with the body of work Thomas has. For comparison, safety Jimmie Ward went for $2 million in 2019.
So the answer is simple: trade Thomas and a draft pick to a team willing to take Thomas and also that salary.
With the low amount of cap space and important free agents that the 49ers are having to find space for, could the 49ers have to move Thomas to create space? In that, could the Cardinals make a move to get the former third overall pick?
For free, outside of $4 million the Cardinals get a guy who has some talent and has never felt right in San Francisco.
If the 49ers are willing to give away Thomas, wouldn’t it make sense with the Cardinals needs for them to be interested? A change of scenery, and a second chance could be something that spells success for the Cardinals.