The San Francisco 49ers upgraded at defensive tackle on Tuesday by adding DeForest Buckner. But are they done? Should they be?
Adding an edge rusher and a wide receiver remain popular topics that we’ve discussed. If the 49ers didn’t face the Raiders coming out of the bye, Maxx Crosby might already be a Niner — but it’d also require the Raiders to be willing to do business with San Francisco.
Khalil Mack for a fifth-rounder feels a notch below Buckner on the inevitability trade chart. Will McDonald
is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Jets, although I’d argue that’d be redundant with Romello Height on the roster. If the Cardinals are open to it, Josh Sweat is an option, though he hasn’t been as impactful as he was in years past.
If you’re going to get a wide receiver, to me it makes sense to go get a “guy.” I’m not sure Josh Downs falls under that category. The 49ers also have enough small-ish wideouts on the roster.
You get the allure with Brian Thomas. If you’re going to swing, Garrett Wilson seems awfully unhappy in the Big Apple.
Russell Wilson, who apparently is the voice of reason for the 49ers this season, said on NFL on CBS, “The 49ers have a chance, and if I’m Garrett Wilson, I’m checking out the 49ers. Kyle Shanahan should make the call. Mike Evans can make plays down in the red zone, but to find a player who can run every route for you, that’s Garrett Wilson.”
Why are we ignoring cornerback after everything we’ve seen this season? If the Colts are having a fire sale, they have this player, Charvarius Ward, who has allowed a 39.1% completion rate and given up zero touchdowns this season. If you’re getting the band back together, get Mooney.
ESPN ranked the top-25 trade candidates. The Niners were linked to a few, including No. 2
2. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
What Fowler is hearing: League execs are sensing the end for BTJ in Jacksonville, as his targets and playing time have dipped. How Jacksonville has struggled to make this relationship work is still a mystery. Thomas is an elite mover with size who draws coverage deep, setting the stage for teammates Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers to eat underneath. But that plan for Thomas hasn’t materialized this season. And teams are circling with interest. Kansas City and Pittsburgh are among those exploring receiver help.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 45%
What Bowen sees on tape: Thomas’ numbers have declined over the past two seasons, but he has the traits to still draw interest. At 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Thomas has the profile of an X receiver who can separate at multiple levels of the field. I see legit straight-line speed and ball-tracking ability. He had 87 receptions and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, but he has been limited to a 9-105-1 line so far this season.
Team fits: Chiefs, Steelers, 49ers
We’re two years removed from Thomas Jr. having nearly 1,300 yards as a rookie. You get him this year and next year. Maybe he just needs to be on a team with Mac Jones to be successful again? At 6’3, 209 pounds, you’d think the Niners could find a place for him.
If the player is a clear upgrade from Demarcus Robinson or Jordan Watkins, the answer should be easy. But if they are a run-of-the-mill type who would blend in with the other role players, then there should be pushback.
3. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals
What Fowler is hearing: Rival teams could see him getting moved. “Sweat to Dallas makes a lot of sense to me,” an NFC exec said. “That’s a profile fit.” Rumblings persist that Sweat would want a new contract — he’s in the second year of a four-year, $76 million deal — and that could complicate things. But many teams are looking for an edge rusher.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 40%
What Bowen sees on tape: A long, angular mover who can win with speed-to-power, Sweat had 12 sacks and 37 pressures in Arizona last season. But his numbers haven’t been as solid in 2026, with two sacks and 10 pressures. Still, Sweat’s ability to threaten the edges of offensive tackles with his quickness off the ball fits pass-rush fronts across the league.
Team fits: Cowboys, Bears, 49ers
The contract and the division all but take the Niners out of the running for Sweat, who, again, has been underwhelming this season. It might be a motivational thing, but he has fewer tackles for loss, impact plays, sacks, pressures, and a pass-rush win rate 5% worse than Keion White.
The 49ers were not listed as a fit for Khalil Mack, who ESPN ranked No. 7 and gave a 35% chance of being traded. The new team would inherit Mack’s $8 million salary, which is the prorated version of his deal.
Another player who is on the list but not listed as a fit is Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson. Philly could be another team selling off parts in what appears to be a lost season. This is the final year of guaranteed salary in Dickerson’s deal, who is 28. ESPN lists him with a 25% chance of getting traded. Dickerson just played his first game since Week 1 on Monday night. It’s unclear what any compensation involving him would look like.
16. Jauan Jennings, Wide receiver, Vikings
What Fowler is hearing: The Vikings’ free agent addition is not a focal point of the offense and is considered a trade candidate leaguewide. But he did catch two passes for 34 yards Sunday against the Colts for a Minnesota passing game that’s not exactly thriving right now. Jennings, who’s on a one-year deal, could prove a low-cost option for teams looking to add to their receiver room. The 49ers are an obvious fit.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 50%
What Bowen sees on tape: Jennings has seen very limited opportunities in Minnesota this season, catching just four of eight targets. However, he has proved to be a reliable target in previous seasons. He’s a consistent route runner who plays through contact and makes himself available to the quarterback on in-breaking targets.
Team fits: Rams, Falcons, 49ers
Let’s put it like this: If Jennings went to the Rams, would that strike fear in Raheem Morris? Probably not. It’s one thing to bring back proven commodities with All-Pro history like Buckner and Mooney. Jennings is a different discussion.
20. Quentin Johnston, Wide receiver, Chargers
What Fowler is hearing: Teams have considered Johnston a trade candidate dating back to March. The Chargers shut that down at the time and even exercised his fifth-year option. But the Chargers’ 0-6 plight is resurfacing his name in league circles.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 25%
What Bowen sees on tape: With his physical tools at 6-3 and 208 pounds, plus the straight-line speed to create explosives, Johnston can help a team as a No. 3 receiver. The drops have been an issue in his four-year career (11 total), and he has been limited to only eight receptions this season. However, Johnston has 18 career touchdowns, and he produced 700 or more receiving yards in both 2024 and 2025.
Team fits: 49ers, Raiders, Steelers
It hasn’t clicked for Johnston in four years. He has three drops compared to eight receptions this year. He could potentially be a big-play asset in the 49ers offense, but trust could be a bigger issue if he’s inconsistent.
