The NFL trade deadline is creeping up fast, and the San Francisco 49ers have a few obvious paths worth exploring if they want to make a move.
Start up front, because that’s where the cleanest fit sits. Khalil Mack has been the name to circle for weeks, and with the Los Angeles Chargers still winless on their bye, it feels like the right time for San Francisco to see if a deal can be done.
An edge rusher is the most impactful addition the 49ers could make, even with Nick Bosa back in the mix. Bosa’s return helps, but the 49ers can’t treat his health as a guarantee for the rest of the season.
If Mack did land in San Francisco, the pairing would give the 49ers a dangerous one-two punch off the edge. Bosa and Mack working together would also let rookie Romello Height stay fresh through rotation. It’s the kind of move that makes a lot of sense on paper.
If the edge market doesn’t break the 49ers’ way, the next stop should be the interior. That opens the door to a reunion with DeForest Buckner.
The Indianapolis Colts are spiraling after firing General Manager Chris Ballard, and that could push them toward a fire sale. Buckner’s postgame comments in Week 6 only add to the possibility.
Buckner returning to San Francisco would be a clean storyline, especially with the 49ers trending toward a Super Bowl appearance. On the field, he’d give them another force inside and help create a nasty defensive front. A trio of Buckner, Osa Odighizuwa, and rookie Gracen Halton would give the 49ers plenty to like.
The front seven shouldn’t be the only area the 49ers weigh, though. With the wide receiver room dealing with injuries, they should also think about Jauan Jennings.
He could be on the move from Minnesota after looking visibly upset on the sideline in Week 5. The Vikings have been searching for receiver help, which could make Jennings expendable.
Jennings wouldn’t be a huge offensive upgrade, but he would bring reliability and useful production at a time when the 49ers need it. He should also be easy to plug in quickly, and the price tag would likely stay low.
If San Francisco wants to swing bigger at receiver, Brian Thomas Jr. is another name to keep in mind. He has been pushed to the side in Jacksonville, and last week seemed to drive that point home. The Jaguars and Thomas may need a split.
Thomas hasn’t matched the impact he had as a rookie, but the 49ers might be able to tap back into that version of him. His route-running fits.
The question is whether his mentality would work in San Francisco. If he is tough enough to fit what they want and the cost stays reasonable, the 49ers should take the chance and see whether he can help them now while becoming part of their future core.
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