49ers could target these 8 players ahead of NFL trade deadline
The San Francisco 49ers are 4-0 and look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but that doesn't mean general manager John Lynch should stand pat.
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, giving San Francisco more than a month to evaluate whether it needs another piece for the stretch run. And with injuries already impacting the defensive front, defensive line help figures to be an especially logical area to explore.
Pro Football Focus' Bradley Lockerrecently identified 15 players who could be moved before the deadline. Eight of those players listed the 49ers among their possible fits — mostly on the defensive line.
Here's a look at each player and why San Francisco could make sense.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals
Harrison is the biggest offensive name on the list, even if his 2026
production hasn't matched his pedigree. The former No. 4 overall pick has just five catches for 85 yards and one touchdown through four games, including a 3-catch, 40-yard performance against the 49ers in Week 3.
Locker notes Harrison's PFF receiving grade has fallen to 51.9, accompanied by a 16.7% drop rate.
For San Francisco, Harrison would be a fascinating upside swing. The 49ers have lost a lot of receivers this year to injury, and adding a 6-foot-3 former elite prospect to Brock Purdy's collection of weapons could make an already dangerous offense even tougher to defend. However, it would be unlikely for the Arizona Cardinals to trade Harrison inside the NFC West.
Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Chargers
Tuipulotu has an 80.9 PFF grade, a 71.9 run-defense grade and a 16.7% pass-rush win rate through four games, according to Locker. He's also recorded 2 sacks, 17 tackles and an interception this season. And, like with receivers, the 49ers need more pass-rushing help due to a bevy of injuries.
The Chargers are cratering in 2026, and they may want to recoup some draft capital for a player on the final year of his rookie contract. The 49ers also need edge rushing support, badly, and could use an experienced vet like Tuipulotu.
Yaya Diaby, EDGE, Buccaneers
Another edge rusher on a lowly team, Diaby hasn't started 2026 particularly well, posting a 50.6 pass-rush grade and seven pressures through four games, per Locker.
But his recent history is much more encouraging. He generated 132 pressures from 2024 to 2025 and posted a pass-rush win rate of at least 17.4% in both seasons.
San Francisco could view Diaby as a buy-low candidate rather than expecting him to immediately become a star. He's 27 and could provide another rotational option alongside Bosa and the rest of the 49ers' defensive front. The Buccaneers are 0-4, too, and Diaby is also in the final year of his rookie deal.
Zaven Collins, EDGE, Cardinals
Collins is a particularly interesting fit because his strength addresses one of San Francisco's biggest weaknesses.
His 90.4 overall PFF grade ranks third among qualified edge defenders, while his 90.9 run-defense grade ranks second. He has seven tackles, one sack and one forced fumble through four games. Locker specifically points to his 9.8% run-stop rate and identifies San Francisco as a potential destination.
The 49ers don't need another edge rusher solely to chase quarterbacks. A versatile player who can strengthen the run defense would give Raheem Morris another useful piece. Collins, 27, is on the final year of his deal with no guaranteed money left. However, he's another intra-divisional player that may not be moved to another NFC West team.
Daron Payne, DT, Commanders
Payne might be the most obvious interior defensive-line target other than Buccaneers star Vita Vea.
Locker notes that San Francisco's defensive linemen rank last in PFF run-defense grade through Week 4. Payne isn't having a dominant season, but he has produced 12 pressures, six solo tackles and a 62.1 run-defense grade in 2026.
Payne's ability to occupy blockers and improve the interior run defense could matter significantly once the postseason arrives. Alfred Collins is out for the year, so the 49ers could do with some help alongside Osa Odighizuwa. The issue is Payne is expensive, with a $27.95 million cap hit in 2026, per Over The Cap. However, only $5 million is guaranteed over the final two years of his deal.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Buccaneers
Robinson is the less flashy alternative to Payne. He's earned an 89.5 overall PFF grade, the best among qualified interior defensive linemen, with an 88.8 run-defense grade that ranks second. He also has nine solo tackles, five assists and one sack.
San Francisco could use exactly what Robinson is providing: a veteran interior presence who can make the run defense more reliable. He's similar but cheaper than Payne, too, with just $9.15 million guaranteed in 2026.
Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Jets
McDonald would be another buy-low candidate on an expiring rookie deal. Through four games, he has one sack and five pressures, while his 70.6 PFF pass-rush grade ranks 23rd among qualified edge defenders. His run-defense grade, however, is only 52.6.
San Francisco could deploy him selectively and let his explosiveness complement its other edge players. McDonald has two years left on his rookie deal, including a fully guaranteed $13.75 million in 2027 (his fifth-year option).
Joshua Uche, EDGE, Dolphins
Uche has already shown why he could intrigue a contender. Through four games, he has eight pressures on 54 pass-rush snaps, along with a 71.7 PFF pass-rush grade. He's also recorded eight solo tackles and four assists.
Locker notes that Uche is on a one-year contract and has bounced among four teams in three years, making him a potentially attainable deadline piece.
For San Francisco, that could be the appeal: Uche doesn't need to become a starter. He just needs to provide another legitimate pass-rush option when the 49ers reach the games that matter most.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL trade deadline: 49ers a fit with 8 players
