Asking Price For Jim Harbaugh Could Be Two Second & Two Third Round Picks

Update:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that the Browns set the floor in terms of compensation for a trade involving 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh last year when they offered two third-round selections.

According to Florio, had Harbaugh wanted the Browns job, he would be in Cleveland right now. Florio adds that Harbaugh is unlikely make the same decision next year.

However, giving up a ton of draft picks for him could also persuade Harbaugh to pass on a deal given that it would really set the team back in regards to their ability to build through the draft.

Florio mentions that unless a bidding war breaks out for him next year, it’s far more likely that a compensation package would be closer to two third-round picks than the ransom the Buccaneers set to the Raiders in return for Jon Gruden several years ago.

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Mike Freeman of the Bleacher Report has spoken to three NFL general managers who mentioned that a team interested in trading for 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh will likely have to be willing to part with two second and two third-round picks.

• Freeman adds that the GMs pointed to the Jon Gruden trade in which the Buccaneers sent two first-round picks and two second-round selections along with $8 million in cash to the Raiders for their head coach.
• According to Freeman’s sources, it’s likely that some team will rationalize the idea of parting with this kind of compensation for Harbaugh with the belief that he’s more important than a franchise quarterback and worth the steep price.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that the Raiders and Jets are expected to inquire about Harbaugh’s availability in a trade after the season.

Sources tell Schefter that the Raiders are considered the favorite to trade for Harbaugh, but the Jets are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Harbaugh still has another year remaining on his contract, but it appears as though the 49ers could at least consider the idea of moving on next year if the right deal is presented to them.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, a potential replacement could already be on their coaching staff, as DL coach Jim Tomsula and DC Vic Fangio are both viewed as the top candidates to replace Harbaugh.

We went over some potential landing spots for Harbaugh earlier in the day.