With the November 4 trade deadline fast approaching, speculation is heating up around whether the San Francisco 49ers will be active buyers and how aggressive general manager John Lynch might be in strengthening the roster for a postseason push.
Injuries have taken a toll on San Francisco's lineup, yet the 49ers remain 5-2 and atop the NFC West standings, positioning them as a potential buyer looking to reinforce key areas for a deep playoff run.
ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently listed 25 players who could be traded before the deadline — linking the 49ers to seven possible targets across multiple positions.
Edge rushers
The 49ers suffered a major blow when star pass rusher Nick Bosa went down with a torn ACL, while Bryce Huff is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury. Even before the setbacks, San Francisco's pass rush struggled to find consistency, potentially making edge help a top priority.
Bowen and Fowler identified the following players as fits:
- Kingsley Enagbare, Green Bay Packers
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Arden Key, Tennessee Titans
- Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
According to ESPN, the odds of these players being moved are: Key (40%), Phillips (30%), Enagbare (25%), and Hendrickson (20%).
Linebackers
Losing Fred Warner for the season due to an ankle injury represents perhaps the team's most significant setback. Tatum Bethune performed admirably, filling in during Sunday night's win over the Atlanta Falcons, and the coaching staff has expressed complete confidence in the second-year linebacker.
Still, that won't stop speculation that the 49ers could seek reinforcements at the position.
Potential linebacker trade targets mentioned by ESPN include:
- Christian Harris, Houston Texans
- Logan Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals
Bowen and Fowler estimate Wilson's trade likelihood at 60% and Harris' at 30%.
Regarding Harris' trade likelihood, Fowler wrote, "Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is a disciple of the 49ers coaching staff, and San Francisco might need linebacker help after Fred Warner's season-ending injury. And Texans general manager Nick Caserio is among the most aggressive dealmakers in the league."
Wide receiver
The 49ers have long been linked to several potential wide receiver trade targets. The team traded away Deebo Samuel in the offseason and remains without Brandon Aiyuk, whose recovery from ACL and MCL injuries has no definitive return timeline.
Bowen and Fowler name Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints as a possible fit for San Francisco, though they give his chances of being traded just 20%.
H/t to Parker Hurley of Sports Illustrated for the find.