49ers should ‘kick tires’ on these 4 players by NFL trade deadline

49ers Trade Target No. 1: CB Cameron Dantzler, Vikings

San Francisco only arguably needs help at running back, the offensive line and in the pass-rush department.

It certainly needs help at cornerback, both right now and for long-term options who can develop as quality components this year and well beyond.

One player who has come up before is Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler, who went from a Pro Football Focus All-Rookie team selection in 2020 to being something of an afterthought this year, even sparking some controversy about being benched earlier this season.

Perhaps the 49ers already reached out, and it’s likely Minnesota will have a notably high asking price for a second-year pro who has already shown the ability to be a starter.

That said, considering Dantzler has seen just 28 percent of the Vikings’ defensive snaps this season, and it doesn’t exactly look as if things will turn around anytime soon.

The Niners should be exploring younger corners anyway, especially in light of veteran cornerback Josh Norman’s struggles, and adding Dantzler would take pressure off rookies like Deommodore Lenoir from having to acclimate too quickly.

Plus, considering Dantzler is on his rookie contract, spending an early day-three pick would net a potential starter for the long run and do so on the cheap.

The 2021 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.