The San Francisco 49ers made headlines Tuesday by reuniting with DeForest Buckner, sending the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft pick in exchange for the defensive tackle. The move significantly upgrades the defensive line, with Buckner expected to line up alongside Osa Odighizuwa.
However, Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard doesn't believe the 49ers are done pursuing defensive line upgrades.
"And I don't think the 49ers are done exploring every possible way to keep upgrading their defensive line before the Nov. 10 deadline," Kawakami wrote.
Kawakami believes San Francisco could make another move to bolster its pass rush as the 49ers look to maintain their lead in the NFC West race against the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.
"They're almost certainly checking in on the Raiders' Maxx Crosby and the Chargers' Khalil Mack, among others; and hey, if you've got a good edge rusher you might let go for a third-round pick, give Lynch a call," Kawakami wrote.
"He'll pick up the phone. I guarantee it. If he hasn't already dialed you up 10 or 20 times."
On Tuesday morning, general manager John Lynch reiterated that the 49ers aren't afraid to make any move that improves their chances of another Super Bowl run.
"We're working hard," Lynch said, "just investigating everything that's out there, and we'll see. If we can help this team—I've said it many times—and help this team get where we are intending to get, then absolutely, we won't hesitate."
Of course, any potential trade must make sense for San Francisco. The 49ers will need to weigh the immediate benefits of adding another defensive playmaker against the long-term cost of giving up more draft capital.
"That doesn't mean the 49ers will do any kind of trade," Kawakami added. "But they're definitely ready for action because the 49ers feel like they've got a true shot at the first Super Bowl title of this era; they will not be bashful about adding some finishing pieces for the stretch run."
San Francisco enters its bye week with a 6-1 record and a significant defensive line upgrade in Buckner. The veteran defensive tackle joins a 49ers team with Super Bowl aspirations after leaving a Colts squad that sits at 2-5 after three straight losses.
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