This Steelers-49ers Trade for Solomon Thomas is a Win-Win

It turns out that "winning" the draft before a ball has been snapped isn't good for much these days. After San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch was heralded for trading down to pick Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft while adding Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster 31st overall, he now faces the prospect of going into 2021 without either of them.

The latter's behavior landed him a release and one-way ticket to Washington, while the former saw his fifth-year option declined.

Thomas could jump-start his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he could start over Stephon Tuitt or kick him inside to a 1-tech if he ended up under Mike Tomlin's watch. All it would take for the Steelers to get him there is a 2021 fourth-round pick.

Thomas has a history of struggling to get to the quarterback, but his ability to line up all over the defensive line and stuff the run is an invaluable asset in the AFC North. Pittsburgh would have one of the best defensive lines in the league if it pulls this deal off.

A San Francisco team in desperate need of picks would get a solid mid-round selection to fill out its roster.

Thomas might be trending towards all-time bust territory unless someone comes along to salvage his career, and Pittsburgh looks like a perfect fit for him from purely a scheme standpoint.