The 2020 NFL trade deadline was a pretty quiet one. There weren't any earth-shattering moves, to say the least.
But 49ers general manager John Lynch did make one move before Tuesday's 1 p.m. PT deadline. The 49ers on Monday made a bit of a surprise move by trading linebacker Kwon Alexander to the New Orleans Saints for linebacker Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round draft pick.
NBC Sports Matt Maiocco believes getting a draft pick from the Saints and clearing salary-cap space was a smart move by the 49ers, and colleague Josh Schrock named the 49ers one of his deadline winners for the Alexander move.
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What grade should the 49ers get for their trade? Here's what other experts had to say.
Brad Gagon, Bleacher Report
Grade: B+
Why: "There's some risk here because something could happen to Warner or Greenlaw, but it's a good deal when you consider the fifth-round pick (which could become a 2021 fourth-rounder if Alexander plays enough in New Orleans)."
San Francisco 49ers
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Grade: A-
Why: "By moving Alexander's contract, it helps create some long-term flexibility for San Francisco to retain key players. In the offseason, they were forced to make a decision between Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner that could have potentially been avoided if Alexander's contract had been off the books."
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Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
Grade: C+
Why: "The 49ers get additional draft capital, besting the haul of a 2022 fifth-rounder swap the Jets made with the Steelers for Avery Williamson and also get Kiko Alonso as a throw-in ... Recognizing a clear need for an upgrade, New Orleans pulled in a more athletic, more versatile piece to fit in their defense while the 49ers realistically surveyed the landscape and made a move that will benefit them down the road."
Sheil Kapadia, The Athletic
Grade: C
Why: "Viewed in isolation, this is a smart trade for the 49ers. They’re strong at linebacker. They’ll save some money. And they pick up a fifth-round pick. But the 49ers get dinged when viewing the wider scope of the Alexander transactions."