The San Francisco 49ers made a couple of additions to their defensive line this week, and they have also seen more players held out of practice due to injuries. It has become a normal theme in Santa Clara. The 49ers are doing their best to keep the ship afloat until more help arrives.
We opened up the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to see what questions you had that needed to be answered. Thank you, as always, for the great questions and for reading. Let's jump in and see what was on your mind this week.
Realistically, do you see the 49ers trading for a pass rusher or standing pat at the trade deadline? - ShoqMax
This question was asked before the 49ers traded for Keion White and added Clelin Ferrell, but it's still relevant because there are rumors the 49ers may make another move. That's the big question now—are they finished making moves?
The 49ers have been linked to multiple defensive linemen and edge rushers. I think it is very possible they will add another player, but I believe it will be another rotational piece. So if you're banking on the 49ers trading for a big-name starter, that is probably not going to happen.
What was the point in trading for Brian Robinson? - Mr. Grinch
To be a kick returner? I'm joking, of course, but that's been one of the ways the 49ers have used Brian Robinson so far.
I agree with the opinion that Robinson should be playing more on offense. I still think the 49ers should use Christian McCaffrey a little less than they have. The problem is, each game they have played has been tightly contested. And because of the many injuries that they've endured, especially at wide receiver and on defense, the 49ers have needed every ounce they can get out of McCaffrey to win these close games.
So while we may want Robinson to carry the ball more, we are likely going to see McCaffrey continue to carry the load.
Why aren't we playing Nick Martin? - Phillip J.
This is another question many are asking. Nick Martin is a very talented player whom the 49ers coaching staff must believe isn't quite ready. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Martin this week.
"He is behind Curtis Robinson in that pecking order," Shanahan said. "If Dee [Winters] couldn't go versus the Giants, it would depend on how these three practices go. So, he's gotten a lot more opportunities being able to be up for game week these last two weeks. He's done really good on special teams. So, I think he's coming along fine. If Dee can't practice, we'll see how he does in these three days."
The 49ers are high on Martin, but they're holding him back for a reason. Hopefully, he gets some chances soon. He has tremendous upside.
On Sunday, the 49ers generated almost no pass rush on CJ Stroud, and Will Anderson took McKivitz to school the entire game. Do you actually see the 49ers addressing the DLine & OLine at the trade deadline? - Johnny Y.
I already discussed the defensive line additions earlier in this mailbag. As for the offensive line, I don't see the 49ers making any kind of offensive line addition during the season. That's just not something they normally do. In fact, it's not something NFL teams do very often— trade for an offensive lineman during the season.
So we will probably have to wait until spring to see what the 49ers do along the offensive line. My hope, and likely the hope of every 49ers fan, is that they invest a lot more in the offensive line in 2026.
Ah man, that was tough to watch. Honestly, I hope the trade that makes helps this year and next. I don't want rentals. Can you identify any players that meet the criteria? - Lowbridge
Other than White, Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets would fit that criteria. He's played for Robert Saleh, and he is signed beyond this season, so he wouldn't be a rental. But I'm not really certain who else they might be looking at. They've been rumored to be looking at other players, but I don't know how many of those would be multi-year guys.
The 49ers are thinking the same way, though. Shanahan mentioned that a couple of weeks ago, when he said they'd prefer to add someone who can help this season and next. We will just have to wait and see if White is the only one they add.
When does Jed step in and demand better strength and conditioning? - John P.
I hope Jed York steps in and demands a change after the final game of the season. Something needs to change, whether it's personnel or players being taught how to better prepare their bodies for the season. I don't know what the answer is, but I wish someone would figure it out. It's crazy that the 49ers are the most injured team year after year.
Is the NFL Circle of Parity 2025 a real theory or just some mumbo jumbo, concocted hooey propaganda thing by the National Football League to pat itself on the back? Better yet, are you buying any of this? - Ed H.
It certainly seems to be a real thing. When you look at both conferences, it's hard to find a clear frontrunner. If the NFL is going for parity, they are on the right track. A lot of people hate dynasties and want to get away from them, but I think dynasties can be good for the league. I realize I may be biased, considering I rooted for one of the NFL's greatest dynasties during the '80s and '90s.
So here's my take on parity. When it benefits the 49ers, I like it. But when parity doesn't benefit the 49ers, I like dynasties.
That's all we have for this edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back next week with a brand new one.