Fresh off a hard-fought 34-24 win at New York on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers improve to 6-3 on the year in a crowded and competitive division and conference. Mac Jones continues to play efficient football, throwing for two touchdowns and improving to 5-2 as a starter. Christian McCaffrey led the way as well, recording his 16th game with a rushing and receiving touchdown, an NFL record. Jauan Jennings and Brian Robinson Jr. also contributed touchdowns.
Defensively, the star of the game was Tatum Bethune, collecting 16 total tackles. Although, newly acquired pass rusher Keion White did not have an impact, Clelin Ferrell and Sam Okuayinonu each added a sack. The game came at another injury cost, as late in the second half, first-round rookie Mykel Williams went down with a knee injury, which has been confirmed as a torn ACL, effectively ending his season—another devastating injury blow.
Williams joins Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Yetur Gross-Matos on injured reserve. Bryce Huff has also missed the last two games with a bum hamstring (likely back this week). Offensively, several players are dealing with a multitude of injuries, but there is optimism about impending returns to the field prior to the bye week. Brock Purdy (toe), Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jacob Cowing (hamstring), Ricky Pearsall (knee), and Ben Bartch (knee) have all been out, but are on the mend and expected to rejoin the lineup soon.
Objectively, the 49ers are a flawed and decimated team. Despite the injury troubles, they are in position for a playoff berth and are tied for the most wins in the conference. Numerous teams can win in the NFC, with many of them having similar records, quarterback play, and overall talent. And with the trade deadline looming on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, John Lynch is certainly making and fielding phone calls to other teams looking for healthy and reputable reinforcements. With nearly half the league's teams sporting records at .500 or worse, they're should be plenty of options to consider.
5 - BRADLEY CHUBB
The Dolphins appear to be a team in need of a fire sale. They just fired their general manager, coach Mike McDaniel may be out at season's end, Jaylen Waddle has been mentioned in league circles, and they just traded Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia.
Bradley Chubb may be another candidate to get moved with four sacks this season and 43.5 in his seven-year career. He sports a strong bull rush and sets the edge against mobile quarterbacks and speedy running backs. Chubb is an ideal high-motor type player who would be a perfect complement to Bryce Huff in terms of pocket pressure on the passer.
4 - ARDEN KEY
Tennessee is in full sell, punt-the-season mode. They already shipped Roger McCreary to the Rams, while also shopping Calvin Ridley, who is talented but inconsistent, and Jeffery Simmons, who is a beast in the interior.
The compensation for those two players would be significant, making Arden Key the most attainable Titans acquisition. A former 49er in 2021, he tied a career high in sacks with 6.5. He can rush inside or outside. He doesn't have much speed, but he has good timing on snap counts.
3 - KAYVON THIBODEAUX
This might be a stretch to finalize a deal, but former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux is uber talented. The Giants are not going anywhere this season with young stars Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers out for the year.
Coach Brian Daboll is likely on the hot seat, so dealing a player of Thibodeaux's stature is not entirely far-fetched, especially if the Giants clean house. The compensation may include multiple picks and a proven player (Jauan Jennings, perhaps?). Thibodeaux has tallied 23.5 sacks in three and a half years.
2 - LOGAN WILSON
Cincinnati is a dysfunctional team. Offensively, they can score tremendously, evidenced by the 32 points per game average with Joe Flacco at the helm since being acquired, filling in for Joe Burrow.
Defensively, it's apparent they can't stop a nosebleed. They have already allowed at least 31 points in five of nine games, while ranking last in rushing and total yards allowed. Now, Logan Wilson has been benched for the likes of a rookie, and a trade request has followed.
Wilson remains a sound tackler and effective in coverage, as evidenced by his 11 career interceptions. Tatum Bethune has been great replacing Fred Warner, but acquiring a veteran and experienced linebacker would boost tackling and consistency across the middle.
1 - TREY HENDRICKSON
This is the big fish that every playoff team should covet. Trey Hendrickson's credentials speak for themselves: four-time Pro Bowler, 15 forced fumbles, and 81 career sacks, which include 17.5 in 2023 and 2024.
Hendrickson wants a new deal, which he won't get in Cincinnati, considering they only pay elite quarterbacks and wide receivers. The cost will be significant. How much John Lynch wants to mortgage future assets remains to be seen, if he follows through.
Hendrickson could be interested in a short-term deal for big dollars; however, his presence would be a game-changer for the 49ers along the edge.