Well, it didn't take long to shake things up. The biggest story surrounding the San Francisco 49ers so far this week is the trade for DeForest Buckner, bringing the veteran defensive tackle back to the team where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. Buckner was a fan favorite during his first stint in San Francisco, and this time around should be no different.
We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag and had plenty of questions about Buckner and other potential moves. There were also questions related to last Sunday's loss in Atlanta. As always, there's plenty to discuss, so let's jump in.
It was uninspired for sure. To quote Jim Mora, they didn't do diddly-poo! My question is, I know we have people coming back, but we really don't have depth across the defensive line. If you looked at our D tackles the last two games, they're really sucking air because of them. What's the plan? - Lowbridge
They already traded for Buckner, as you likely heard. Now, the question is, will they add an edge rusher? I'd guess it's possible John Lynch adds an edge rusher. The 49ers have been linked to Khalil Mack. Lynch has traded for more than one player at the trade deadline before, but normally, it's only been one trade. Could this be a year he makes multiple trades?
Can DeFo really make a difference at his age? And hasn't he dealt with injuries lately? - Jamey H.
Buckner isn't the young guy he used to be, and he hasn't been the ironman he was early in his career, but he can still get after it. Check out his current rankings among defensive tackles:
Sacks: Tied for second with four
Pressures: Tied for seventh with 10
QB hits: Tied for third with eight
And he's been strong against the run this season. And then you pair him with Nick Bosa and Osa Odighizuwa. This defensive line just got much more intimidating.
Yes, Buckner can make a difference. This is a great trade.
In your opinion, will the 49ers' four upcoming November games determine and define the division lead and rest of the season? - Ed H.
Yes, each game matters. Four games is essentially a quarter of the season. And two of the next four games are against the Seahawks, who they'll be battling to win the division, and the Vikings, who are the only remaining undefeated team.
So, yes, the four November games will go a long way in determining the NFC West and the NFC, as well. I still believe, though, that it won't be decided until December. I know a lot of 49ers fans believe the division is in the bag, but it's far from being over.
Should the 49ers cut ties with Eddy Piñeiro? He's going to cost them. - Jerry R.
I understand everyone's desire to run Eddy Piñeiro out of town. He may have cost them the game in Atlanta, and the week before, if Washington had scored at the end, that PAT Piñeiro missed earlier could have cost them that game. I guess PATs matter.
The problem is, who would they replace him with? I'm not sure there's an available kicker who would be better. Hopefully he's just in a funk and will break out of it after the bye. If not, I predict a Deebo Samuel explosion in Piñeiro's direction.
Kyle Shanahan gave Jordan James and Kaelon Black a chance, and they rewarded him by fumbling. Now will everyone stop calling for more reps for them when you have Christian McCaffrey? - Sarah P.
You mean the guy who fumbled the week before against the Commanders? Christian McCaffrey has fumbled plenty of times, and he always gets another shot. Kaelon Black and Jordan James should get another shot, as well. Especially Black. I think I remember reading that he only fumbled four times in his four years in college.
Mistakes happen.
I know everyone wants to trade for a couple of difference-makers. But next year's draft is supposed to be the best in a long time. Am I wrong in my stance that they shouldn't trade away picks? - Wes B.
I don't see the 49ers trading away their 2027 first-round pick. But if they trade it away for someone like Garrett Wilson, I could live with that. Just take a look at their recent first-round picks. Mykel Williams may still be a good pick. Ricky Pearsall has the talent, but he's missed more games than he's played. De'Zhaun Stribling was a second-round pick, but he's essentially a first-rounder. He's currently on IR after not even making it through one quarter of his first game.
And the last first-rounder before those three players? Trey Lance. I'm happy to take a chance on someone like Wilson.
That's all we have for this week's 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back with a new one soon. Enjoy your bye week!
More info on: Kaelon Black, Nick Bosa, Jordan James, Christian McCaffrey, Osa Odighizuwa, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling, Mykel Williams
Comments