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The reigning NFC champions, San Francisco 49ers have been proposed as a potential destination for one of the game’s elite defensive backs.

During a discussion with Larry Krueger, Chase Senior of Chat Sports made the case for the 49ers to trade for Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II:

“Are the Broncos willing to pay him that (massive extension) knowing that they’re kind of starting over and rebuilding?…The great 9er teams had a great 1-2 punch at the cornerback position. You have that now with Charvarius Ward…Deommodore Lenoir…you have Nick Bosa, you paid Leonard Floyd…

What is that big move…that leads me to Patrick Surtain, and that’s the name that keeps coming up for me.”

The 49ers have made considerable changes on defense since their heartbreaking Super Bowl 58 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. For starters, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was let go and replaced with Nick Sorensen.

Longtime mainstay and fan favorite Arik Armstead was released in a cap-saving move. The 49ers traded for ex-Houston Texans standout Maliek Collins and signed former Buffalo Bills star Leonard Floyd and Carolina Panthers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos.

The Broncos, meanwhile, appear to be entering a massive rebuild after three notable moves. They released quarterback Russell Wilson and All-Pro safety Justin Simmons in cap-saving moves. On top of that, top wideout Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a minimal return of two late-round picks.

San Francisco 49ers Tried Acquiring Surtain Ahead Of 2023 NFL Trade Deadline

Back in November, Pro Football Talk reported that the 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles eyed “the possibility of trading for Surtain.” According to Florio, however, the Broncos weren’t willing to give up their franchise star “without a major haul.”

The two-time Pro Bowler could have certainly made a difference against Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The 49ers simply didn’t have the personnel to slow down the likes of Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, and just maybe a player of Surtain’s caliber would make the ultimate difference for Kyle Shanahan’s squad.

We at least know that the 49ers had some interest in Surtain. If the price is right, it definitely makes sense for GM John Lynch and company to place a call to the Broncos and see if Surtain can be had.

Also Read: REPORT: AFC Heavyweight Has Reached Out To 49ers About Blockbuster Trade For Superstar WR Deebo Samuel