49ers acquire Jonathan Martin in trade with Dolphins

[papasmurfbell]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/49ers-acquire-jonathan-martin-in-trade-with-dolphins/

 

Tuesday didn’t just mark the start of free agency but the start of trading season in the NFL as well. For the second time today, the San Francisco 49ers have made a trade with a team in the state of Florida.

A source confirmed to PFT that the 49ers have acquired tackle Jonathan Martin from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a conditional draft pick. The trade was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Martin started seven games for the Dolphins this season before electing to walk away from the team after what he felt to be repeated bullying at the hands of Richie Incognito and other players on Miami’s roster. The fall out from the accusations has been immense as Incognito was suspended, coaches and staff of the Dolphins were let go and Martin never returned to the team.

Now Martin is reunited with Jim Harbaugh, his former head coach at Stanford University. Harbaugh vouched for Martin in the Wells Report and said he believes Martin can still succeed in the league. Therefore it’s not surprising there would be interest from the 49ers to bring Martin to give him a chance at a fresh start.

While Indianapolis also seemed like a possible fit with Andrew Luck and former Stanford offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, General Manager Ryan Grigson values toughness in his players, which is a massive mark against Martin at the moment.

Previously, the 49ers also acquired quarterback Blaine Gabbert from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.

This could be a really smart move for the 49ers. It all depends on what the pick is.

 

[Robjr83]

I heard it was only a 7th

[ravinmaniac52]

any way you look at it, he is going to have a hard time in any locker rooms.

[papasmurfbell]

He is going back to his old coach so I think it will not be so bad. I am sure guys will be suspicious for a while but the coach sets the stage on the team.

[tsylvester]

Let us see if he 1) makes the team and 2) improves his play, his strength, to get playing time.