The San Francisco 49ers have an opportunity to improve their roster ahead of the league's trade deadline on Nov. 10.
The Niners return from the bye week ready to bring their former defensive lineman DeForest Buckner back into the fold after completing a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, bringing the 32-year-old back to the Bay Area.
The deal for Buckner was just a start; San Francisco isn't expected to be done yet. The 49ers' main concern is depth and making sure they have enough bodies to make it through the regular season and into the postseason.
The 49ers are 6-1 but have dealt with a ton of injuries throughout the year, mainly at defensive line and wide receiver. Those are areas where San Francisco could use more depth.
the DeForest Buckner trade?
The Niners tried to bring back former receiver Jauan Jennings in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, but Jennings denied the trade.
Receivers that have been out for the 49ers include Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, DeMarcus Robinson and tight end Jake Tonges. Deebo Samuel Sr. is expected to be ready to go after sitting with a right hamstring injury. KhaDarel Hodge was signed to the 49ers' practice squad and the 32-year-old wide receiver might have a chance to play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 9.
49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk hired a new agent, bringing Drew Rosenhaus on his team in an attempt to return to the NFL. Still, San Francisco is likely not an option.
Although things aren't terrible on the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco could use upgrades defensively, at least more help in their pass rush and on the edge.
The 49ers defense is 20th in sacks and 27th in takeaways, including 29th in interceptions and 19th in forced fumbles. San Francisco's run defense allows 89 yards per game, the 5th-fewest in the league. They're third in total rush yards with 623 through 7 games. They've allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns, three.
Still, the injuries the 49ers have experienced still affect them. They've been dealt injuries to Nick Bosa, Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Sam Okuayinonu, Mikail Kamara and Andrew Farmer II. All have missed time going in and out of the lineup. The 49ers only recently got Mykel Williams back from an ACL injury.
Still, the 49ers may consider a move ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Who could they target if they keep buying? Here's a look at the top trade options San Francisco could pursue.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars, WR
The 49ers need a WR and Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could use a fresh start after a slow start to the season. In his third season, Thomas, through seven games, has recorded 10 receptions, 117 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 11.7 yards per catch.
He earned a Pro Bowl selection during his rookie year in 2024 for season stats of 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. Then he had a sophomore slump. He played 14 games and only tallied 48 catches, 707 yards and two touchdowns.
San Francisco needs more young weapons in their aging WR room after all the injuries. Thomas would be a dream to team up with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle.
Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers, OLB
Khalil Mack is 35 and was the 5th overall pick selected by the then-Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is older but can still provide a spark as a vet. Mack built his career as a pass rusher, compiling 116 career sacks and ranking seventh all-time among active players.
Mack has done just about everything in the NFL, except win a Super Bowl. He was the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro linebacker. He might thrive in a role where he can win a coveted Super Bowl ring.
The Los Angeles Chargers are winless. Mack seems to be nearing the end of his career but could get a boost in a winning situation. Mack could add more depth to the 49ers' defensive front. He has three sacks and 11 tackles this season. His snaps might be limited, but he could be a force rushing the passer and even spell Nick Bosa when he returns.
Will McDonald IV, New York Jets, Edge
Will McDonald IV could be the power punch on the edge that the 49ers are looking for. He plays a complementary role in New York, but he can be effective when he sees snaps. McDonald is a 6-foot-4, 245-pound pass rusher who has 23.5 career sacks and four forced fumbles in 54 games.
That kind of addition could give San Francisco another weapon on the line as they look to fill the void left by injuries. McDonald possesses a skill set that would complement the 49ers' existing defensive line with a healthy Keion White, Gracen Halton, Osa Odighizuwa, Romello Height and Mykel Williams.
So far in 2026, he has three sacks and seven total tackles.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts, WR
The 49ers already knocked on the Colts' door to make a trade; why not do it again? San Francisco needs wide receivers and Indianapolis is apparently undergoing a fire sale. The 49ers would do themselves a favor by going after Josh Downs. The 25-year-old wide receiver has 30 catches, 330 receiving yards and one touchdown this season.
He would give the Niners another fresh look at wideout lining up predominantly in the slot. He's shifty in his cuts and is another QB-friendly target. He would be a solid addition for San Francisco as they ease back Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel from injury. The 49ers could await for their rookie De'Zhaun Stribling to return but in the meantime, a trade would mean they don't have to rush him back, or put additional pressure on him to perform.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers trade targets: 4 players San Francisco could pursue at NFL trade deadline
