49ers Trade Deadline Target is two weeks away The Niners could consider a move or two at defensive tackle, offensive tackle,
linebacker, tight end or wide receiver. The NFL trade deadline falls on Halloween and the Niners should go again.
They had great success at the deadline, adding winger Emmanuel Sanders, defender Charles Omenihu, and last year and team-changing Christian McCaffrey.
This year, Randy Gregory’s first trade paid immediate dividends as he had a sack, two tackles for loss and three sacks against Cleveland.
The extreme need appears to have been addressed. The Niners could consider a move or two at defensive tackle, offensive tackle, linebacker, tight end or wide receiver.
PROTECTIVE BACK Denver has announced that Patrick Surtain will not be traded. There are a few other options to consider.
Jaylon Johnson (Chicago) 24, 6-0/196 Reports from Chicago indicate that the Niners have inquired about Jaylon Johnson’s availability and asking price.
He was in the top six in the league in passing defense his rookie year. He has a top-10 coverage grade of 84.1 on Pro Football Focus this season despite being limited by injury.
If Johnson is signed in free agency, the Bruins are expected to receive a 4th round pick in return, so the bidding race will likely start in the third round.
Philadelphia will look for help in the secondary due to injuries, but is expected to prioritize safety. Dallas and Pittsburgh can also shop at Cornerback.
ATTACKS Trent Williams’ ankle injury could give the Niners more urgency at tackle, but options are limited. La’el Collins (free agent) 30, 6-4/320 Collins later underwent ACL and MCL surgery.
He met with teams, but the Niners were not mentioned as being interested. Garrett Bolles (Denver) 31, 6-5/300 The Broncos’ left tackle is rumored to be on the block.
He has a PFF grade of 72.8 and has allowed just one sack this year. Historically, he has ranked in the top 20 in the league.
The concern for the Niners is that Bolles will make $16 million next year and that could hinder their plans to re-sign him. LINE PACKER The lack of depth was evident in the loss to Cleveland,
where the defense has a significant drop behind Dre Greenlaw. The Niners invested two draft picks in the linebacker, but they can’t commit until next year.
Frankie Chapter (Carolina) 27, 6-3/235 Nine defensive coordinator Steve Wilks knows him from his time in Carolina. He has 27 tackles and four sacks this year and a PFF grade of 67.8. He is a free agent at the end of the season.
Jordan Hicks (Minnesota) 32, 6-1/236 If the Vikings decide to sell at the deadline, Hicks is an aging but very productive vet heading into free agency. He has an 80.1 PFF grade with 37 tackles and a forced fumble this year.
THE VICE END With Cameron Latu an early draft pick on season-ending IR, the Niners could be in the market for a tight end. Zach Ertz (Arizona) 32, 6-5/250 A proven receiver and blocker, Ertz has 24 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown this year.
However, Arizona probably couldn’t
handle him in the division. Hunter Henry
(New England) 28, 6-5/258 A free agent
after this season, Henry is a solid receiver
with 18 catches for 183 yards and two
touchdowns.
WIDE RECEIVER Deebo Samuel’s injury
history could force the Niners to explore
who could fit into the receiver depth.
Arizona’s Hollywood Brown and Rondale
Moore would be great, but again, the
Cardinals probably don’t fit in this
division.
Mecole Hardman (NY Jets) 25, 5-10/187 An
effective deep threat and utility player in
Kansas City, Hardman was a healthy
streak for the Jets with just one catch on
the year.
Gotta go shopping. Kendrick Bourne (New
England) 28, 6-1/205 The former Niner has
28 catches for 307 yards and two
touchdowns this year.
Because of his experience with Kyle
Shanahan’s system, he would be plug-and-
play. Bourne should be available for a late
draft pick and will become a free agent.
Leave a Reply