usatoday
The San Francisco 49ers have already made a splash by bringing back defensive lineman DeForest Buckner in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, but they might not be done wheeling and dealing before the NFL's Nov. 10 trade deadline. With a 6-1 record and a roster battered by injuries, the Niners are reportedly exploring options to add depth for a deep postseason run.
San Francisco's primary concerns are along the defensive line and at wide receiver, where injuries have taken a toll. The team attempted to reacquire wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the Minnesota Vikings, but Jennings vetoed the trade. The receiving corps has been without Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, DeMarcus Robinson, and tight end Jake Tonges at various points. Deebo Samuel Sr. is expected to return from a hamstring injury, and the team signed KhaDarel Hodge to the practice squad, but reinforcements are still needed.
On defense, the 49ers rank 20th in sacks and 27th in takeaways, including 29th in interceptions. While their run defense has been stout—allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game (89) and the fewest rushing touchdowns (three)—the pass rush could use a boost. Injuries to Nick Bosa, Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Sam Okuayinonu, Mikail Kamara, and Andrew Farmer II have thinned the defensive front. Mykel Williams recently returned from an ACL injury, but additional help on the edge would be welcome.
Top Trade Targets
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: The 49ers need a young, dynamic receiver, and Thomas could benefit from a change of scenery after a slow start to his third season. Through seven games, he has 10 catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns. As a rookie in 2024, he earned Pro Bowl honors with 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, and 10 scores. However, he regressed in his sophomore campaign, posting 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. Thomas would add a youthful spark to an aging receiver room and could form a promising duo with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle.
Khalil Mack, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers: At 35, Mack is a seasoned veteran who still has something left in the tank. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2016) has compiled 116 career sacks, seventh-most among active players. A nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Mack has accomplished nearly everything except winning a Super Bowl. The winless Chargers might be willing to part with him, and Mack could provide a pass-rush boost and leadership for a contender. This season, he has three sacks and 11 tackles.
Will McDonald IV, Edge, New York Jets: McDonald, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound pass rusher, has 23.5 career sacks and four forced fumbles in 54 games. He plays a complementary role in New York but has shown he can be effective when given opportunities. In 2026, he has three sacks and seven tackles. McDonald's athleticism and skill set would fit well in San Francisco's defensive line rotation, especially with the team looking to fill the void left by injuries.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts: The 49ers have already negotiated with the Colts for Buckner, so why not revisit? Indianapolis appears to be in sell mode, and Downs, a 25-year-old slot receiver, could be available. This season, he has 30 catches for 330 yards and one touchdown. Downs is shifty in his routes and would give San Francisco a reliable target to ease the burden on Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel as they return from injuries. Acquiring Downs would also allow the team to bring along rookie De'Zhaun Stribling slowly without pressure to perform immediately.
With the trade deadline looming, the 49ers have the opportunity to address their depth issues and strengthen their roster for a championship run. Whether they pull off another deal remains to be seen, but these four players are names to watch.
Originally reported by usatoday.