ESPN's Bill Barnwell has proposed a trade that would send a defensive tackle from the Indianapolis Colts to the San Francisco 49ers. However, it's not the player many fans might expect.
There's been plenty of speculation about DeForest Buckner returning to the team that drafted him. Even 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has campaigned for a reunion, telling Buckner to "come home."
Barnwell has a different player in mind for defensive coordinator Raheem Morris' unit: defensive tackle Grover Stewart.
The proposed cost would be relatively modest. With the Colts at 2-5, Barnwell believes the 49ers could land Stewart by sending Indianapolis a 2027 sixth-round pick. The deal would also send San Francisco the Colts' 2027 seventh-round pick.
Barnwell noted that the 49ers have already traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, a move that has paid off early in the season. Rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton has also shown promise, recording a sack in each of his last two games. So a flashy move, like acquiring Buckner, might not be the most pressing need.
However, Barnwell believes San Francisco still needs to improve its run defense.
"San Francisco is 27th in success rate against the run so far this season," Barnwell noted. "A year ago, it was 31st. The 49ers have been able to insulate themselves against run game issues by playing from ahead for most of the season, but they'll need to be better against the run by the postseason."
Barnwell sees Stewart as a potential solution. Although the defensive tackle's 60.7 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade this season is unspectacular, he posted a career-high 78.7 grade in that category just two seasons ago, demonstrating his ability to make an impact against the run.
"The 33-year-old is a useful player and in the final year of his deal, but his contract is also expensive; he's owed $8.2 million in cash over the remainder of the season," Barnwell continued. "The 49ers don't have cap concerns after restructuring some of their more significant deals, but that's a big cash outlay.
"They could encourage the Colts to absorb more of the money by offering a better draft pick, but with the 49ers still undefeated and fielding one of the oldest cores in football, I'd push ownership to spend now to try to build a team that can win a title. Stewart isn't the most exciting addition, but he's the sort of player the Niners need."
Stewart is in his 10th NFL season, all with the Colts. He has played 147 games, including 115 starts, and has 429 tackles, 47 tackles for a loss, 51 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, one interception, 15 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
More info on: DeForest Buckner, Gracen Halton, Kyle Juszczyk, Osa Odighizuwa
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