Interesting update on the pick compensation from ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
The San Francisco 49ers have traded LB Eli Harold to the Detroit Lions in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick. The story was first reported by Kyle Meinke of MLive Media Group.
“Our entire organization would like to thank Eli for his hard work and contributions to our team and the Bay Area community over the last three years,” said General Manager John Lynch in a statement. “He always represented the 49ers with class and has been a tremendous teammate. We wish Eli and his wife, Kelsey, nothing but the best in the years to come.”
The trade is somewhat surprising, as the 49ers do not have a lot of depth at outside linebacker and the pass rush is still an issue for this defense. That being said, it looks like it will be the Dekoda Watson show going forward, while second-year player Pita Taumoepenu has also shown promise.
The trade could also signify the return of Elvis Dumervil, who Head Coach Kyle Shanahan did not rule out bringing back after the 49ers preseason loss to the Houston Texans.
“We want to upgrade everything,” said Shanahan. “If there is something at the end of this situation that we feel will help us and make us better and it makes sense contractually to where we think it helps our team this year and going forward in the future, that’s something that we won’t hesitate to do at every position. We have a responsibility to do that at every position, not just pass rusher. Elvis is a guy I have a lot of confidence in. He did a great job for us last year. If we felt that was the right opportunity at the end of this, Elvis is a guy John and I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to.”
Best of luck to Harold in Detroit and Go Niners!