The San Francisco 49ers are fearless in making big moves at the trade deadline. They've shown that over the past few seasons. For example, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have traded for players like WR Emmanuel Sanders (2019), RB Christian McCaffrey (2022), and edge rushers Randy Gregory and Chase Young (2023). Could 2024 be another year the duo adds to their roster?
That may depend on how the team fares against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The 49ers are currently in last place, but barely. A win moves them to 4-4 and right in the mix. A loss drops them to 3-5. Could they be buyers again? Or might they be sellers? One NFL insider is asking the same question, and even wonders if the 49ers could be buyers and sellers.
On Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic wrote about possible trade deadline options for the 49ers. She mentioned the struggles San Francisco is dealing with, especially in light of the many injuries they're facing. She referenced a report from Michael Silver, also of The Athletic, who believes Shanahan and Lynch "will seek reinforcements via the trade market, most notably at defensive tackle and wide receiver."
Russini wrote, "I've been told to keep an eye on the Patriots — who will listen to any proposal — with run-stuffing interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux and ex-Niners wide receiver Kendrick Bourne among the possible targets. Two other former San Francisco players, defensive tackles DeForest Buckner (Colts) and D.J. Jones (Broncos), have been discussed internally by team decision-makers but I don't get the sense Indy or Denver are open to moving either player."
Fans would love to see Bucker (a fan favorite) or Jones return to Santa Clara. The 49ers' defensive line has not been the same since losing the pair, and the team needs help. But as Russini wrote, the Colts or Broncos are unlikely to be willing to trade away the two players.
Another area of need for the 49ers could be a wide receiver. Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury last Sunday. A week ago, Russini mentioned WR Deebo Samuel as a player the 49ers could potentially trade away. But in light of Aiyuk's injury, that is unlikely to happen.
However, Russini still believes the 49ers could trade away one of their star players. She wrote, "Cornerback Charvarius Ward, a second-team All-Pro in 2023 who has had a rough start this season, has an expiring contract and might draw interest." Could the 49ers decide to trade Ward to another team? A lot may depend on Sunday's outcome. If the 49ers fall to the Cowboys, they may make a move like that. Still, it's unlikely, especially since the 49ers believe they still have one of the league's best rosters, and they should be getting some key players back soon, namely McCaffrey and LB Dre Greenlaw.
Russini added, "The 49ers aren't really sure yet if they're contenders or pretenders, but because their division is so winnable, they're likely to keep hope alive." That's why the 49ers will likely refrain from trading away any of their players. But it is still possible for them to add someone.