I think the next part was just speculation on Maiocco's part, but it's been pointed out a couple times here before as well: if the team decides to let Jonas Jennings go, Staley would probably move over to LT permanently.  I've been all for this kind of a move, as it allows the 49ers to be more flexible in the post-season in what positions along the line they should acquire.

By removing Jennings, the 49ers now have an opening for a starter at LG or either tackle position.  Considering Staley was drafted to be a LT, that would leave openings at LG or RT (assuming Heitmann and Baas man C and RG, respectively).  This allows the 49ers to either consider retaining Kwame Harris to compete for RT next year, or not force themselves into drafting a tackle or a guard in the draft.  Adam Snyder would presumably take over the position the 49ers don't bring someone in for, as he could play LG (which is where the 49ers really want him to be) and either tackle position.

A line of Staley, Snyder, Heitmann, Baas, and Harris/FA/draftee has got to be better than what showed up this season.  Even if it is something like: Staley, FA/draftee, Heitmann, Baas, and Snyder, instead.

The reason the trade did not go through is because the 49ers wouldn't have been allowed to re-sign him before the season was over.  That would make trading for him rather risky, because he would then be allowed to hit the free agent market before the 49ers can even attempt to re-sign him.

Briggs was discussed a bit during the offseason around here.  The general opinion is that he didn't fit into the 3-4 very well, where his size forces him to play ILB.  The 49ers have a lot of depth inside already, and Briggs isn't much of a pass rusher.

However, if this "rumor" (which is all it is unless we hear something otherwise, which is unlikely) has any truth to it, it could very well mean the 49ers are unhappy with the players that are complimenting Patrick Willis at ILB.  Brandon Moore has three more years left on his contract, but the 49ers would only be responsible for about $1.5M dollars in bonuses that are still owed to him.  Derek Smith, on the other hand, only has one year left, but the 49ers would be on the hook for about $2.2M in bonuses for that one season.  It's very possible the 49ers are considering releasing/trading one or both of these players.

This is all speculation on my part, so take it for what it's worth.  Matt Maiocco thinks it is pointless for the 49ers to trade a pick AND give up money to re-sign Briggs when they are so deep at that position.  I beg to differ, in that while deep, the talent there is pretty average (outside of Willis).  There is no indication of whether or not if it was a high draft pick, and trading a 4th rounder or something for Briggs and re-signing him would have been well worth it in my book (with or without Moore and Smith on the roster).  Moore and Smith could then be flipped for 4th or 5th rounders themselves (Smith, highly unlikely).

This isn't Madden, so trading for one guy and flipping another doesn't really happen in the NFL.  It is definitely a possibility, though.