49ers to make another splash move by NFL trade deadline? John Lynch won't say

The 49ers made a blockbuster trade a year ago for Christian McCaffrey and also grabbed Randy Gregory this year. Is another trade in the works, though?

The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to being aggressive ahead of the annual NFL trade deadline.

A year ago at this time, the Niners pulled off a massive blockbuster by acquiring All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. Since that point, not only did San Francisco's offense explode, but head coach Kyle Shanahan's team has also lost a mere two regular-season games.

it's safe to say that trade was a winner.

This season, general manager John Lynch already pulled the trigger on another trade, acquiring pass-rusher Randy Gregory from the Denver Broncos. Gregory even notched a sack in his first game with the 49ers, which is a hopeful indicator that this particular move will be a winner, too.

But, are there more trades on the horizon?

John Lynch remains vague on 49ers' plans for NFL trade deadline

Speaking on KNBR 680's Murph & Mac Show Friday morning, Lynch was asked about whether or not the Niners were planning any other splash deals between now and the Oct. 31 trade deadline.

Not surprisingly, the Hall of Fame GM was pretty elusive with details:

"We’re certainly not afraid to to make a splash if needed, and if we think it can improve us. That’s not just a stock answer. I think there’s still Halloween where the trade deadline is, right after our Cincinnati game. So that’s a long time in terms of these things, and we’ll continue to monitor, continue to communicate and if we can make a difference on this team, we will."

Naturally, Lynch isn't going to telegraph his team's plans for acquiring (or shipping out) talent by the deadline.

But, given what we've seen from Lynch and Co. at the deadline in previous years, including the 2017 trade for now-Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, it's safe to assume San Francisco won't pass up on a deal it thinks will be helpful.

What kind of trade would 49ers make?

McCaffrey was a blockbuster, although fans probably shouldn't expect another splashy move like that again.

Although the thought of landing Panthers edge Brian Burns would be enticing (if unlikely).

The folks over at Pro Football Focus felt the 49ers should stand pat with their roster now, labeling it as "probably the best roster in the NFL from top to bottom." There's little sensibility in changing that, especially with some of the bigger looming decisions Lynch and Co. have, primarily with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and what'll likely be a hefty contract extension.

Related story: Rumor mill says 49ers could make another trade by NFL deadline

However, lesser trades could be in play. Perhaps a low-risk deal for New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who spent his first four years with the Niners, would be much more acceptible.

And there is talk of such a thing happening, too.

The 2023 NFL trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

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