"I've been guessing for a while that Shanahan and Lynch are motivated to try to add some finishing pieces for a Super Bowl run," Kawakami recently wrote. "At the bye week, with the Nov. 10 trade deadline coming up quickly, I think it's almost guaranteed that they'll make two or three trades."
Could one of those moves be a blockbuster deal rather than simply adding depth at key positions? Kawakami believes star pass rusher Maxx Crosby remains a realistic possibility.
"Even when the Raiders were 3-0, I've mentioned Maxx Crosby as an option," Kawakami wrote. "Now with the Raiders at 3-4 … I think he's a very real option, if Mark Davis can even consider trading him to the 49ers."
Kawakami also identified Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner as a potential target—at the right price. The Colts' asking price remains unclear, but Buckner has expressed frustration with the team's continued struggles in recent weeks.
"Sure, he's perfect to add to the defensive-tackle rotation if the Colts will trade him for a middle-round pick," Kawakami noted.
The 49ers clearly need pass-rushing help. Their defense generated just three pressures in Sunday's loss to the Falcons, a season low. For context, San Francisco's previous single-game low this season was 14 pressures, recorded in Weeks 1 and 3. The team's lowest total in any game last season was five, in Week 4.
Defensive end Nick Bosa is expected to return after the bye week, which should boost the pass rush. However, the 49ers may need additional reinforcements to address their struggles in the trenches and strengthen their chances of making a deep postseason run.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers exploring another way to add a pass-catcher ahead of NFL trade deadline
The San Francisco 49ers could have another position in mind as they continue exploring ways to improve their roster ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. Wide receiver has been a position frequently connected to the 49ers in recent weeks, but a new report from ESPN's Adam... -
Analyst offers 49ers luxury and bargain trade options ahead of deadline
It's unclear whether the San Francisco 49ers will make another trade before the November 10 NFL trade deadline. However, the team is undoubtedly exploring its options as it looks to strengthen the roster for a potential playoff run. ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently examined... -
49ers still searching for help at two positions before trade deadline
The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 6-1 start and sit atop the NFC West standings. Last week, they made a big move, acquiring defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts. They may not be done making trades. The 49ers weren't the only team to make a major... -
NFL insider reveals $13 million complication in 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk split
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, plan to meet with the San Francisco 49ers on Friday around 3 p.m. PT. The goal is to resolve the ongoing situation between the two sides and remove Aiyuk from the reserve/left squad list. Ultimately, Aiyuk is likely...