The San Francisco 49ers brought back former second-round draft pick Dante Pettis this week, but the veteran wide receiver isn't expected to strengthen the position significantly.
The Dallas Cowboys just traded for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., so it's possible a contender like the 49ers could make a move this early in the season. While their 3-0 record suggests little urgency, their dwindling numbers at certain positions could tell a different story.
The 49ers are without several wide receivers and defensive linemen, and the season is barely entering Week 4. In fact, San Francisco has lost so many players that it is running out of injured reserve spots for players the team hopes can return later. Teams can have only a maximum of eight players return from injured reserve during the regular season.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently looked at potential NFL trade options entering Week 4 and identified the 49ers as a fit for three potential deals. Two involve wide receivers, while the third could help bolster the pass rush.
49ers named a fit for Jerry Jeudy
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy's name has been linked to the 49ers in trade speculation before, and Knox sees San Francisco as a potential landing spot. What would it take to pull off a deal? The Bleacher Report contributor believes a conditional 2027 fifth-round draft pick could be enough to make it happen.
Jeudy hasn't been a major contributor for the Browns so far this season. He has been targeted just five times through three games, catching two passes for 26 yards. He is two seasons removed from his 1,229-yard campaign in 2024 and has played only 57 percent of Cleveland's offensive snaps this season.
"The Browns should view Jeudy as expendable, and he should retain value for receiver-needy teams," Knox wrote. "While he has largely disappointed since the start of last season, the 27-year-old was a 1,200-yard Pro Bowl receiver in 2024.
"With a 2026 base salary of $1.5 million, Jeudy should fit even the tightest cap budgets."
Quentin Johnston is another potential option
The other receiver Knox links to the 49ers is Los Angeles Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston. He has six catches for 64 yards through three games this season despite playing 82 percent of the offensive snaps.
"The fourth-year receiver topped 700 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons but has been an afterthought in Mike McDaniel's offense," Knox wrote.
The Chargers could become sellers if their losing streak continues. They are currently 0-3.
Knox believes Johnston could also be acquired for a conditional 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
"Johnston should still interest receiver-needy teams, though, as he has a high physical ceiling and another year on his rookie contract—Los Angeles did exercise his fifth-year option," Knox added.
Could the 49ers pursue Khalil Mack?
Johnston might not be the only player Los Angeles is willing to deal. Knox also names the 49ers as a potential fit for Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack, a player San Francisco tried to acquire in 2018.
Of course, that was eight years ago, and Mack is no longer the player he was in his prime.
But the 49ers could use help along the defensive front after several injuries, including Nick Bosa's calf injury. Mack last recorded double-digit sacks in 2023, but he had 5.5 sacks last season and already has two in 2026. The 13-year veteran may still have something left in the tank.
"While he'll turn 36 in February, Mack is still extremely effective as a rotational pass-rusher," Knox wrote. "He already has two sacks, four tackles for loss, and seven quarterback pressures this season.
"Teams are always looking to add pass-rushing help, and injuries have only increased the league-wide need at the position."
Mac Jones also included in trade possibilities
Knox also included 49ers quarterback Mac Jones on his list of potential trade candidates. However, with several teams losing starting quarterbacks this season and the value of having a capable backup signal-caller becoming increasingly apparent, the 49ers would presumably be reluctant to part with Jones.
However, Jones will hit free agency in 2027 and will likely be a hot commodity on the open market. If the 49ers were to trade him, Knox believes a conditional 2027 second-round pick might be enough to get a deal done. He identified the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets as potential destinations.
Still, that scenario seems far-fetched at this point. But with this almost certainly being the quarterback's last season with the 49ers, anything is possible.
More info on: Nick Bosa, Mac Jones, Dante Pettis
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