The San Francisco 49ers may have already made their biggest move before the trade deadline.
After bringing back DeForest Buckner in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, the Niners suddenly look like a team that could stand pat and trust the roster they already have. That possibility is now getting plenty of attention, especially with the deadline set for November 11.
The move for Buckner was a major one. San Francisco sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis to land the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle, giving the defense a real boost after an offseason full of talk about how the team would improve its pass rush.
That’s why some around the team believe the Buckner deal may be the headline move, not the first step in a bigger spending spree. San Francisco 49ers on SI’s Niles Hall made that case, arguing the 49ers may not need to chase another splashy trade.
Fans and media have floated names like New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, but Hall pointed to the idea that the 49ers can find answers internally.
The biggest question has been at wide receiver, where a strong offensive start has slowed because of injuries. Against the Atlanta Falcons last week, the receiver issues were impossible to miss, with a 49ers wideout not recording a catch until the second half. San Francisco was missing Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson.
That picture may be changing soon. On Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said all three wide receivers will have a chance to return after the bye week, which would make a pursuit of Wilson far less necessary. Recent developments from receiver Jordan Watkins also factor into that thinking.
The 49ers will also get back first-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, who is expected to return at the end of the season.
The team has already added Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and Deebo Samuel, while also drafting De’Zhaun Stribling, so the logic behind another move is clear enough. But there’s also the other side of that argument: if another addition gets hurt, San Francisco could wind up right back where it started.
For now, the 49ers remain in contender mode, and Buckner alone may be enough to keep them on track for a playoff push. Whether they decide to add more before November 11 is the next question.
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