The 49ers’ first loss of the season hasn’t knocked them out of the picture, but it may have sharpened the conversation around what San Francisco could do before the trade deadline on Nov. 10. After the 29-20 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons, team insider Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard floated two names that would bring immediate punch: Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson and New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson.
Kawakami’s read on the left side of the 49ers’ offensive line is pretty clear. He says San Francisco is “encouraged” by Connor Colby’s development, but also “frustrated when he occasionally gets roasted.” That uncertainty is part of why Nelson comes up as a possible target if the Colts decide to sell off pieces.
“It seems like a perfect fit - Nelson is still only 30 and the idea of him lining him next to Trent Williams on the left side of the 49ers’ line would not be pleasing for any 49ers opponent,” Kawakami wrote Sunday.
Still, the fit on paper doesn’t make the deal simple.
“But it’d take a lot of trade capital, and even more long-term money to make this workable, and the 49ers have never valued guards like that,” Kawakami continued.
At receiver, Kawakami pointed to Wilson as a possible answer if San Francisco wants another weapon while injuries continue to pile up around the roster. He made the case Monday in his column.
“Could the 49ers make a call for the Jets’ star Garrett Wilson? Maybe,” Kawakami continued Monday.
“He’d be a great long-term WR1. But they’ve got Evans in that role now and maybe for another year.
And acquiring Wilson would take a first-round pick that the 49ers might already be earmarking for a defensive lineman.”
For now, it’s just speculation about what San Francisco might pursue. The bigger immediate question is how aggressive the 49ers choose to be before the deadline and whether either Nelson or Wilson becomes realistic. The next chance to get back on track comes Sunday afternoon, Nov. 8, against the Las Vegas Raiders.
In Other News...
49ers Bye Week Could Clarify A Return Picture Fans Need To See
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There is still some uncertainty in the timing, though, especially for the players fans are watching most closely. Deebo Samuel is part of that recovery conversation, but his hamstring situation may require a little more patience even after the break, while the 49ers are particularly eager to see one of their defensive leaders get through the extra week in good shape. Other injured players remain further away, leaving the team to balance short-term caution with the need to get stronger for the second half. [Read more 🡒]
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Kyle Shanahan now gets the bye week to sort out a problem that has started to chip away at the Niners edge. Penalties are rarely the flashiest issue on a contender, but they can quickly become one when they alter drives, extend possessions and force a team to play from behind. For a San Francisco group that still has bigger goals in front of it, the coming week offers a needed reset before the season resumes. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Keep Running Into The Same Problem On Offense
The 49ers have spent much of this season trying to piece together an offense that can stay intact long enough to find a rhythm, and Mike Evans has become a central part of that equation. Injuries have already forced San Francisco to navigate stretches without Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, leaving the unit short on the kind of playmaking and stability that usually keeps it on schedule. Even with the bye week offering a reset and a chance to get some bodies back, the bigger concern is whether the group can finally look like a whole offense for more than a brief stretch.
What has made the situation so frustrating is how dependent the 49ers have become on Evans being available and productive. When he is on the field, the offense can look far more balanced and dangerous, but every absence seems to expose the same familiar issues in protection, timing and finishing drives. The coming weeks will tell a lot about whether San Francisco can finally escape that cycle, or whether it is going to keep leaning on a few key names just to keep the attack moving. [Read more 🡒]