We’re a little more than a month away from the NFL’s trade deadline. When the San Francisco 49ers have swung a deal, they’ve made deep playoff runs. Emmanuel Sanders in 2019. Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Chase Young in 2023. Two Super Bowls and an NFC Championship appearance.
Looking back, it’d be nice to have the 27-year-old Young. He had 10 sacks last season, and already has 3.5 this year. But hindsight is 20/20.
49ers general manager John Lynch was asked about the deadline on KNBR. He said, “I think
you’re always in active mode.”
Josh Sweat plays in the division, but names like Khalil Mack, Will McDonald, Danielle Hunter, Josh Uche, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and any other pass rusher with a pulse will be linked to the Niners over the next month.
Lynch continued, “I always say, I think our history speaks to the fact that we will not hesitate to improve this team if we can, and we’ve done that on a number of occasions. So we’re doing our jobs, and real proud of the way our team’s playing.”
That statement was a segue into how the Niners may approach the deadline, at least at edge rusher. The team is expected to get Mykel Williams back this week.
Romello Height recently returned to action. The 49ers have two more weeks until the bye. It might make the most sense to give Nick Bosa that extra week. But the 49ers also would’ve placed him on the injured reserve if they felt like he’d be out after the bye, suggesting he’ll be back sooner than later.
And while we’re focusing on defensive end, this is still a team that is thin at defensive tackle. Vita Vea grew up in the Bay Area, but his 2027 cap number is over $30 million.
Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has been more productive this year and will likely be cheaper since his contract voids after this season.
Lynch referenced the health of the 49ers, saying, “We’ve had a number of injuries. Hopefully, we start getting some of these guys back and stop losing people, because sometimes you can see those as acquisitions — when you start getting these players back. We’re already playing this well. Man, when these guys come back, we’re going to be hard to deal with. So looking forward ot that, and we’ll always try to improve our team in any way possible.”
It sounds like the team’s health as the deadline approaches will determine how aggressive they are.
