As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are likely evaluating roster depth to determine which areas to strengthen for the season's second half. With wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the season, many speculate the team could pursue reinforcements in that position.
One NFL analyst, however, suggests the 49ers focus on another area. Brian Baldinger believes the team should bolster its defensive line, an area that has been a priority since head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch began shaping the roster.
"I would go defensive line," Brian Baldinger stated Tuesday morning on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game.
He cited former 49ers defender Arden Key as an example of a valuable rotational player who made an impact without being a household name.
"I'd be combing teams right now," Baldinger said. "They're not giving those guys away. They cost some collateral, some draft capital. But I'd be looking to add depth to the defensive line right now."
Injuries have taken a toll on the 49ers' defensive line. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is out for the season with a partially torn triceps, though there's hope he could return for a deep playoff run. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos may soon be back from a knee injury.
Offseason acquisition Leonard Floyd has yet to meet expectations, with only three sacks and a career-low 56.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
Speaking about the upcoming trade deadline, Lynch recently made it clear that the 49ers expect to benefit from the return of injured players like Gross-Matos.
"When I look at our trade deadline, I look at our IR list, and I say, [RB Christian] McCaffrey, [LB Dre] Greenlaw, Gross-Matos, [S Talanoa] Hufanga, if we can get those guys back, I think that's the boost we need as much as anybody we're going to bring in from the outside," Lynch explained.
The NFL trade deadline is November 5, giving the 49ers limited time to assess their options for bolstering the roster for the remainder of the season.
You can listen to Baldy's entire interview below.