Aqib Talib reportedly blocked trade to 49ers

The cornerback trade market has been shockingly active across the NFL this offseason, and apparently Aqib Talib had a significant impact on how it has played out.

The Broncos agreed to trade Talib to the Rams this week, but apparently that was not the original plan in Denver. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Broncos and 49ers had agreed to the framework of a deal, but Talib nixed it by saying he would not report to San Francisco if the trade went through.

An example of how simple decisions this week affect players, teams and futures.

Aqib Talib rejected a trade that was agreed to between Denver and SF; wouldn’t report. He later is traded to LA.

So SF doesn’t get its CB, Richard Sherman is released and he winds up in SF.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2018

Talib was apparently only interested in playing for the Rams or Patriots. So, by blocking the trade to the Niners, the veteran cornerback indirectly facilitated the deal Richard Sherman agreed to with San Francisco. Had Talib been willing to play for the 49ers, we never would have been treated to that uplifting tweet from the Rams.