This Patriots-49ers Trade Involving Solomon Thomas Could Pay Off Big for New England

The San Francisco 49ers already made the tough decision to move on from stud defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. More than a month later, general manager John Lynch is making an easier call by declining the fifth-year option on former Stanford classmate and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas.

With the 2017 third-overall pick officially hitting the open market at the end of the upcoming season, the front office would be wise to trade him in exchange for draft capital. Even though he didn't live up to his draft selection, Thomas can become an impact player on the right team. Perhaps there's no better landing spot for him than the New England Patriots.

In his three-year career, Thomas has never played for more than 12 games in a season, and has only recorded six sacks and 16 tackles for loss. While he did post 23 quarterback hits, Thomas was outplayed by the likes of Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Nick Bosa.

Head coach Bill Belichick is no stranger to bringing in underperforming first rounders and turning them into stars. Just look at the work he did with ex-tackle Danny Shelton. He was a poor player on the Cleveland Browns, got moved over to the Patriots, and helped them defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Belichick would love working with Thomas, for sure, and would serve as a quality replacement for Shelton.

So, what would it take for the Patriots to bite and ultimately accept a deal for Thomas? Considering he's set to become an unrestricted free agent at year's end, you can rule out Day 1 and 2 NFL Draft picks from New England. But, the 49ers could fetch a 2021 fifth-round pick from the Patriots for Thomas.

Yes, that's not the greatest value for a former top-five selection, but it's better to receive something than nothing. If this trade were to happen, we guarantee Thomas will become a beast on the Patriots, because that's how things happen in today's NFL.