The San Francisco 49ers made a splash early this season, trading and re-acquiring Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner a few weeks before the trade deadline.
Buckner, 32, had accumulated 31 tackles, four sacks and three assists for the lowly Colts this season, and was entering the final year of his contract. In return, the 49ers only sent a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
As the deadline approaches, the 49ers are considered an obvious buyer and could become one of the most active teams in the NFL. They addressed a zone on Tuesday with the addition of a defensive tackle, giving them another reliable option next to Osa Odighizuwa and some much-needed depth.
Where else could the 49ers add before the deadline after trading for Buckner?
The obvious choice is in the same position group, but on the edge rather than in the middle. The 49ers perhaps had an even greater need for an edge, given the stellar play of rookie Gracen Halton to open the year.
Without Nick Bosa, the 49ers found a way to get by, thanks to the creativity of Raheem Morris and his scheme. But as San Francisco continues to face playoff-caliber teams, they should add another passer on the edge, even with Bosa in the mix.
And this market should have a ton of them open, with names mentioned such as Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack and others.
Today, San Francisco has a lot of young talent, with Halton, Romello Height, Keion White, Mykel Williams and others on the defensive line. But a trade for a proven edge rusher will add more depth, keep bodies fresh and provide the 49ers with a solid tandem once Nick Bosa is healthy.
The secondary has certainly been a strength for the 49ers this season, and Raheem Morris’ experience as a defensive back appears to play a role.
The cornerbacks are playing with more confidence, which has translated into more plays, while the safety room led by Malik Mustapha has done its job and then some.
However, the 49ers could use an additional depth piece here, as primary reserve Jack Jones has continued to struggle when put into action over the past few weeks. The 49ers responded by trying different formations, but getting some corner depth to replace Jones might be a different priority.
Now, I don’t think the 49ers will turn solely to wide receiver in the short term, with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson all expected to play in the coming weeks.
But there are ways the 49ers can further improve their receiver room with a minor trade. First, this group still has injury issues, which could haunt San Francisco as the playoffs approach. Adding a younger receiver who fits well in the room (maybe Josh Downs?) could be what the 49ers need as a final depth piece.
Still, with so many new faces in the receiver room, San Francisco could benefit from adding a younger, controllable option who can contribute now while still being part of the team’s long-term plans.
Many have been calling for the 49ers to enter the Quenton Nelson sweepstakes, but even at a very reasonable price, I don’t see the Niners trading for an offensive lineman with the way their unit is currently playing.
Everywhere else they are quite accurate in depth. They have pieces at quarterback, running back and tight end, while linebacker is one of the most loaded groups as a whole on the roster.
This allows the 49ers to shoot high for their targets at the positions listed above, and they could part with significant draft capital to do so.
The 49ers probably don’t make moves at all three positions besides the Buckner move. But reports suggest they will be aggressive before the deadline, and these are the few areas where they can really improve.
Gn sports
