Joe Staley didn't announce his retirement from the NFL until Saturday, but rumors of the longtime 49ers left tackle's decision fueled a trade two days prior to that.
During the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who held the No. 14 overall pick, were dead set on moving ahead of the 49ers, who held No. 13.
Why? Because Bucs general manager Jason Licht heard Staley might retire, and he believed the 49ers could look to draft his replacement at No. 13. Tampa Bay had its eyes on Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, and wanted to get him before San Francisco did.