RELATED
ESPN recently examined the trade landscape. Looking at the 49ers specifically, Jeremy Fowler suggested that the team might look to bolster its defensive line. In a trade discussion with colleague Dan Graziano, he noted that a reunion with former 49ers DeForest Buckner or D.J. Jones would be logical. Graziano agreed but indicated that he doesn't believe the Indianapolis Colts or Denver Broncos are interested in trading either player at this time.
However, Graziano proposed another potential target on the defensive line for the 49ers.
"If the Niners are looking to add up front on defense, the more likely trade candidate might be New England's Davon Godchaux, since the Patriots seem to be moving guys who they've recently extended," Graziano wrote. "Godchaux has a $4 million guaranteed salary next year. But the Niners are all-in, and I expect them to look for help on defense, where they haven't looked like themselves all season."
The 49ers have been dealing with injuries throughout their roster, including the defensive line. The loss of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a triceps injury was a significant blow. There's an outside chance he could return if the team makes a deep playoff run. Like Hargrave, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is also on injured reserve, though he's expected to return sooner from his knee injury.
According to Pro Football Reference, San Francisco's defense has posted a 23.5% pressure rate, ranking 14th in the NFL. They've accumulated 20 sacks, tying them for 12th in the league. The team would prefer to climb higher on both lists.
While Godchaux isn't known for his pass-rushing abilities, his addition could improve depth along the interior, helping outside pass rushers be more effective. Additionally, he would likely come at a much lower cost than a high-profile defensive lineman.
"The 49ers are in a tricky spot, because they have some important decisions to make on some big contracts in the coming offseason," Graziano continued. "But you can't get closer to winning the Super Bowl without prevailing than they did in February, and they feel as if they owe it to the group they have to give it their best possible shot."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers free agency: CBS Sports urges San Francisco to target Joey Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers' pass rush was a major weakness in 2025. The defense totaled just 20 sacks — the fewest in the NFL — creating an urgent need for reinforcements this offseason. If new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is going to stabilize the unit in his first... -
49ers target receivers in two 2026 NFL mock drafts
Wide receiver is quickly becoming a popular first-round projection for the San Francisco 49ers in early 2026 NFL mock drafts. Two mocks released on Wednesday have the 49ers using the No. 27 overall pick to reinforce their receiving corps. The strategy makes sense. While San... -
49ers insider identifies two potential salary-cap cut candidates
As NFL teams begin evaluating their rosters ahead of the 2026 offseason, The Athletic asked its staff to identify potential salary-cap cut candidates for each franchise. For the San Francisco 49ers, beat writer Matt Barrows pointed to two names worth monitoring. Barrows... -
ESPN analyst predicts 49ers over Bills in Super Bowl LXI
An ESPN NFL analyst is projecting a Super Bowl return for the San Francisco 49ers—and this time, a championship finish. ESPN's panel of experts recently released early predictions for Super Bowl LXI, which will be played at SoFi Stadium on February 14, 2027. Among the...