Five weeks into the NFL season, we’ve seen some teams establish themselves, while others have disappointed. The San Francisco 49ers are on the former side of that spectrum, impressing with a 5-0 start as they’ve beaten three playoff teams from a season ago, including the defending champion Seattle Seahawks last weekend.
However, not every team has taken that trajectory. We’ve seen teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans be major disappointments early, while six other NFL teams have
won one game or fewer.
With the trade deadline coming up in a few weeks, some of those teams could turn into sellers, while the 49ers, with their ample draft capital, could become a clear buyer. San Francisco has a few needs, such as pass-rush depth and help at wide receiver, but who all could be available for them to snag?
Let’s look at 10 players on bad teams that could pique the 49ers interest at the deadline.
Chargers OLB Khalil Mack
Perhaps the most obvious candidate of the bunch is Khalil Mack, who signed a one-year, $18 million extension with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.
Mack, 35, still has some pass-rush juice. He’s got 14 pressures on the season, although only with a 9.5 percent pass-rush win rate, according to PFF. He’s been healthy, though, and is a solid player against the run. He’ll get a ton of 1-on-1 opportunities in San Francisco if traded there.
Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
If the 49ers are willing to pay a heavier price, they could just look at the other Chargers pass rusher: edge Tuli Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu leads Los Angeles with 17 pressures and a 16.0 percent pass-rush win rate, while also recording eight defensive stops. He had 75 pressures and 13 sacks in a breakout campaign last season and is in the final year of his rookie deal. He could be a younger target to buy at the deadline, albeit likely at a heftier price.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
This one isn’t a pretty name, and would not come with much of a price tag. But the 49ers could also buy on Quentin Johnston to serve as that vertical threat along with Demarcus Robinson and De’Zhaun Stribling when they return.
Johnston hasn’t been a good NFL receiver, and an $18 million fifth-year option could be the deterrent, but the 49ers need some speed and help on the perimeter with their injuries. Perhaps he’s a low-cost option.
Saints TE Juwan Johnson
In an outside-the-box move, the 49ers could target 30-year-old Saints tight end Juwan Johnson as an extra pass-catcher.
The 49ers have always wanted that second receiving threat at tight end, which Kyle Juszczyk has essentially been, but Johnson doesn’t have any more guaranteed money on his deal (one year left at $9.5 million) and could be a trade option for the reeling 1-4 Saints.
Commanders DT Daron Payne
Payne has been subject to trade rumors for a while now, and it could be the year in 2026 with the veteran defensive lineman in the final year of his deal.
Payne, 29, has 15 pressures, eight defensive stops, and a forced fumble. He does have a hefty $16.4 million salary, so Washington would probably have to eat some of that money in a trade.
Commanders EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
Another option could be K’Lavon Chaisson, who signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Commanders in the offseason after being a key piece for the Super Bowl-contending New England Patriots last year.
Chaisson is Washington’s leader in pressures with 17, and he could be a cheap option off the edge as a pass-rush specialist.
Titans edge Jermaine Johnson II
Johnson is in the final year of his rookie deal for the 0-5 Titans and is a natural trade candidate on the edge at the deadline.
He’s had 11 pressures thus far this year with only a 6.7 percent pass rush win rate, but is a younger candidate than some of the other edges on the market, with familiarity with Robert Saleh. He could be a cheap sell candidate.
Titans WR Calvin Ridley
On the topic of veteran receivers that could fill a short-term need, Ridley fits the bill as a boundary wideout who could be on the move at the deadline.
He’s past his prime at 31 years old, but should also come cheap and can fill a void with the team’s current injuries. With players coming back for the 49ers, it isn’t a need to trade for a big-time name at receiver. Instead, a veteran who can fill a role for a few weeks and provide an upgrade over the current room is what’s needed.
Buccaneers DT A’Shawn Robinson
Robinson has been a rotational defensive tackle for the Buccaneers, and could give the 49ers some depth as a quality run-defending body in the middle of the defensive line.
He’s on a one-year deal and should come cheap if the 49ers or another suitor are interested.
Buccaneers EDGE YaYa Diaby
Diaby was a standout in 2025, recording 62 pressures and a 17.4 percent pass-rush win rate to go with his seven sacks. He hasn’t had the best start to his 2026 campaign and is in the final year of his rookie contract.
If the Buccaneers aren’t willing to pay him, the 49ers could deal a Day 2 pick for the pass-rusher and have the flexibility of retaining him or getting a potential compensatory pick in return.
