Before the NFL trade deadline, the San Francisco 49ers are still attempting to complete a few moves. Even with the addition of pass rusher Randy Gregory to the squad, the 49ers still need assistance at cornerback and in the pass rush.
The 49ers are listed as answering phones, according to Diana Russini of The Athletic, who heard a few things about the NFL and potential transactions. Cornerback and edge rusher appear to be the intended targets:
8. The 49ers are trying to add a cornerback and an edge rusher. The phones are being used by them.
Gregory is currently a member of the team and is beginning to see playing time, but that might not be sufficient. Brian Burns of Carolina might be a target if they are pursuing pass rush.The 49ers might be able to get Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders, who might be less expensive in terms of draft compensation.
Teams are only giving thirds, despite the Commanders’ desire for a second round pick, according to the same Russini story. This is most likely because Sweat permits mid-season rentals and because he is expected to sign a massive contract at the end of the current campaign. A second round pick is still possible, but if the 49ers can outbid someone else in the third round, they could be able to give a third and some change.
The 49ers will have to wait until after the Commanders’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles is over if Sweat is the player they’re pursuing. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the decision to swap components will be made based on who wins that game.
Regarding cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos appears to be well-liked by all. The Broncos aren’t interested in trading him, which is one issue. You go on if you accept something at face value.
Yet as you witnessed, the New York Giants decided against trading Odell Beckham Jr. I assume that the only way they can get rid of Surtain is if they manage to recoup the same number of selections from the transactions involving Russell Wilson and/or Sean Payton, which is unlikely to happen.
The 49ers must approach this strategically. They may or may not be able to work out a large contract with Brandon Aiyuk, but they also have a first-round pick in 2024 to work with. If they were to, say, acquire Sweat, they would have to pay Aiyuk and other players’ salaries for an extension for the player, which would mean giving up a piece that could contribute for a few years on a cheap deal in a rookie. I will not enter this place.
Whatever happens with Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator, if they can swing it, adding a component opposite Nick Bosa makes sense. It would just be better if they could avoid paying for contracts for their homegrown players.
