The San Francisco 49ers’ run defense has been under the microscope, and ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has a veteran fix in mind - just not the one many fans would expect.
In his 2026 trade deadline pitches, Barnwell suggested that San Francisco should land defensive tackle Grover Stewart and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
A lot of the conversation around the 49ers has centered on the idea of a DeForest Buckner reunion, but Barnwell pointed in a different direction. He noted that San Francisco already has Osa Odighizuwa, while rookie Gracen Halton has recorded sacks in each of the past two games. In Barnwell’s view, the more pressing issue is at nose tackle.
The numbers back up the concern. Barnwell pointed out that San Francisco ranks 27th in run-game success rate this season after finishing 31st a year ago. At the same time, the 49ers sit seventh in the NFL in both rushing yards allowed, at 541, and yards per carry allowed, at 3.6.
Stewart has produced 20 tackles, a half-sack and three quarterback hits in six starts this season. Those aren’t eye-popping totals, but they do reflect a player whose game would fit what San Francisco needs. He’s 33, in the final year of his contract, and would bring help to a defensive line rotation in need of more sturdiness against the run.
There’s also the financial side. Stewart is owed $8.2 million in cash for the rest of the season, but the 49ers are in a position to absorb it. San Francisco currently leads the league with $41.2 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and Stewart is set to become a free agent.
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Nick Bosa Return Hope Just Got Very Real For 49ers Defense
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49ers Suddenly Have Real Freedom To Go All In
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What makes the situation even more interesting is how much draft capital the 49ers still have available to work with, which gives them room to chase help without stripping away the future. No move has surfaced yet, but that combination of urgency, resources and ambition is exactly why San Francisco is expected to be active if the right deal comes along. [Read more 🡒]