The San Francisco 49ers are on bye week, but trade rumors and speculation are swirling around the team. The Seattle Seahawks traded for All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, and the Niners countered by sending a fourth-round pick for our old friend DeForest Buckner. Based on rumors and reports, it doesn’t seem like the team is done adding to the roster.
The choices are more defensive line help (yes, please), a wide receiver to improve depth or a true difference-maker, and possibly cornerback depth. Truthfully,
the 49ers shouldn’t be done trading. The team has a golden opportunity in front of them to play for the title on Valentine’s Day.
Could past midseason trades give fans an idea of what to expect in the coming days and weeks before the trade deadline?
In 2019, the 49ers traded for veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders to solidify a young receiver room with Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne. The team came within minutes of a Super Bowl win. Sanders wasn’t the flashiest name, but the move was exactly what the team needed, as he brought leadership and stability to the receiver room.
2020 saw the 49ers trade for Jordan Willis, who would later etch his name in 49ers postseason lore with his massive blocked punt against the Packers. In 2021, Charles Omenihu was a find as the defensive lineman revitalized his career with the 49ers, and the team played in the NFC Championship Game.
Christian McCaffrey’s trade was the biggest splash for the 49ers in 2022. The team fell short in the NFC Championship Game against Philadelphia as the 49ers ran out of quarterbacks, but that deal proved the team wasn’t afraid of a big splash, and who can argue with his production in San Francisco?
During the magical 2023 season, the 49ers gambled on Chase Young and added veteran EDGE Randy Gregory. Young was impressive in the Super Bowl, but ultimately moved on to New Orleans, where he has transformed into the pass rusher Washington envisioned when they drafted him.
2024 was a small trade for Khalil Davis, and last year the 49ers made one of the more savvy, underrated moves by trading for DE Keion White. White’s play has warranted a valid discussion about a potential extension with the team.
So, what does the past tell us about a potential trade for the 49ers in 2026? It’s completely feasible to see the 49ers take a big swing (Garrett Wilson? Nico Collins?), but for the most part, the team adds high-floor players to improve depth.
Now, the past is an indicator of the future, but I’d argue this season has different circumstances than past seasons. 2023 was a loaded team, and Young was a sprinkle on top of that, but not a big swing. That was a low-risk, high-reward move.
Also, in past seasons, the options for a big splash weren’t as plentiful. This season is completely different. The team should have the urgency to get a high-end EDGE option and a big-time wide receiver. Opportunities like this don’t present themselves often. Nothing is promised next season.
Fans are tired of hearing, “This team will be back” next season. I don’t blame them. Go for the Lombardi now and worry about the rest next season. Plugging up roster holes and doing salary cap gymnastics is far easier with the sixth Super Bowl trophy in the case.
Keep going, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. Go get the ring and kill the “can’t get it done” narrative.
