NFL Overreactions Week 8: Is Levis a good fit for the Titans? San Francisco, is it time to worry?
A team with the 49ers’ level of talent may have completed all of its trades before the NFL trade deadline. They primarily set up and down the roster, adding Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory.
That kind of squad would usually be a strong contender to sit tight on deadline day, especially with the pricey roster that they already have. Though San Francisco has a plethora of draft capital and a league-high $39,962,048 in cap space, they might be interested in almost any player that hits the trade market.
After going over a few of the players who might be available, we selected six who the 49ers should, at the very least, take a closer look at before the October 31 deadline:
Broncos OT Garrett Bolles
It’s obvious that the 49ers’ greatest need is offensive line support. Regretfully, they have difficulty locating offensive lineman of high caliber on the trade market. If Bolles can shift to the right side, he might be a good fit. Since college, he has only ever played left tackle, so switching positions might not even be an option.
For the sake of argument, let’s say he can accomplish it.
San Francisco would instantly have an upgrade on Trent Williams’ other side. Bolles’ contract is set to expire in 2024, and there is no guaranteed money left over for the upcoming season. His $20 million projected salary number in 2024 wouldn’t be too bad for a great offensive lineman, and it would afford the 49ers some time to acquire a better long-term option or for Colton McKivitz to mature.
Vikings DE Danielle Hunter
There will be other defensive ends on the list, so buckle up.
Hunter is a free agent after this season, and the 49ers are likely no longer in the running for him as a result of the Randy Gregory trade. Nonetheless, according to Pro Football Focus, he has been outstanding in 2023 with 21 pressures and eight sacks.
The 49ers would be better prepared to handle a loss on the defensive line or an injury on offense if Hunter joined their already potent pass rush. Hunter’s addition would strengthen the defense to the point where it could survive a large offensive setback.
It’s likely that the 49ers would have acquired Hunter by now if they had desired to do so, but it’s still important to monitor the situation if Gregory or any other San Francisco DE struggles in the final two weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
Panthers DE Brian Burns
Compared to Hunter, Burns seems like more of a pipe dream. Even at age 25, he might still be a player the Panthers wish to center their future around. His long-term future isn’t very confident, despite the fact that contract negotiations were completed before the year.
Although it is unlikely that the 49ers will pay Burns to stay into 2023, the No. 16 overall pick in 2019 may have a significant influence this season. He has 13 sacks and 68 pressures in the previous campaign. He has five sacks and 15 pressures this season for the league’s bottom team. His quickness and length would be ideal on the outside of Kris Kocurek’s defensive line. San Francisco should at least inquire as to whether Carolina will accept an offer before making the commitment to add him.
Jets DE Carl Lawson
Alright, last DE, we swear.The final option is possibly the most plausible as well.
Lawson would cost the acquiring team less than $2 million and is in the last year of his contract.
His 2023 campaign was a complete failure. Of New York’s six games, he has appeared in four of them. He has two pressures but no sacks. On 49 pressures last season, this athlete recorded a career-high eight sacks. It’s understandable that the 49ers would want to use him as a reclamation project in exchange for a late-round selection swap because of his talent. If it fails, the 49ers may let him go because he will be a free agency in 2024.
Patriots TE Hunter Henry
All right, the DEs are finished! It’s almost time to go.
Multiple tight ends (TEs) on the field is the next step in the 49ers’ offensive growth. Remind yourself of a less-downhill, i-formation blocking Kyle Juszczyk. It’s evident that neither Charlie Woerner nor Ross Dwelley can step in as a dependable, consistent receiving threat. Although Henry is in the last year of his deal, he is still a far superior receiver than any of the other TEs playing for San Francisco. Henry is only an ok run blocker.
At some time, they might want to use seventh-round rookie Brayden Willis, but that doesn’t seem likely. Henry’s acquisition from New England may provide them with the offensive assistance they need to fully use their already incredibly adaptable lineup. Henry has only caught 18 passes for 183 yards and two scores this season; but, over the course of the previous four seasons, he averaged 52 catches for 594 yards and five touchdowns.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
With his play, Isaiah Oliver has given the 49ers reason to be optimistic about their secondary. However, depth is a challenge. In the little playing action he has had, Ambry Thomas has performed poorly, and Samuel Womack is already on injured reserve.
Johnson would cost almost nothing against the cap as he is in the last year of his rookie contract. The Bears’ second-round selection in 2020 had trouble right away, giving up 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, he recorded seven pass breakups and only gave up one last season. With a career coverage grade of 80.9 and an overall career grade of 79.0, he has attained his highest grades.
San Francisco may improve its starting group or the depth in the cornerback room if it is willing to give up a mid-to late-round choice to get Johnson.