With the trade deadline creeping closer, the 49ers are at the point where the board starts to matter. San Francisco has options to weigh, and the names that could realistically shake loose range from low-cost depth plays to the kind of bigger swing that changes the feel of the roster.
At receiver, Jerry Jeudy stands out as a former first-round pick who still hasn’t found the right fit since a coaching staff change, and a move elsewhere could be exactly what resets him. Quentin Johnston also lands on the list as another first-rounder with some production last season.
He’s big, physical, and fast, traits that could play well in a Kyle Shanahan offense. The Chargers are 0-5, which opens the door for them to sell.
Tight end gives the 49ers another path. Cade Otton is not a key part of Tampa Bay’s offense, and the Bucs sit at 1-4.
San Francisco would need to take on his cap hit, and he’d project as a No. 2 tight end, but the 49ers’ skill-position depth is thin and they do have the cap room to pull it off. Miami, meanwhile, is 0-5, and could potentially part with a strong replacement for Jake Tonges.
On a cheaper level, Zach Ertz would be more of an upgrade over Luke Farrell. Bates, who is on the Washington Commanders and they sit at 1-3-1, is another name in that mix.
On defense, the best fit may be the most obvious one. Mack makes the most sense of any player on the board.
He’s on a one-year deal, he’s playing for a 0-5 team, and his addition could be as impactful as Mike Evans. That’s the kind of move that changes the temperature of a deadline.
There are other pass-rush possibilities, too. Haason Reddick is tricky to see in a trade because of his contract and the fact that he’s in the division.
Yaya Diaby is younger and heading toward his first trip to free agency, which could make Tampa Bay more willing to move him. Uche isn’t a traditional 49ers edge rusher, but he would fit more cleanly with the way Raheem Morris runs things.
There’s also the bigger-name route. Vea is a high-end player on a struggling team, and the 49ers were tied to him this summer.
With Tampa Bay at 1-4, it’s fair to wonder whether those talks could come back around. Miami’s Zach Sieler is under team control through 2029, which could bring back a strong return.
And McNeill offers a cheaper alternative than Vea on the same team. Williams is another inter-division possibility, though the Cardinals would only move him if the price is right.
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For San Francisco, this is more than a short-term patch at WILL linebacker. It is a real chance to see whether Dugger can handle a heavier weekly burden and settle into the kind of role the defense has been searching for, especially with Greenlaw sidelined. If the rookie responds well, it could give the 49ers a new layer of flexibility at a position that may become one of the more interesting decisions on the roster down the road. [Read more 🡒]