NFL trade deadline 2022: 4 last-second trades 49ers could pull off
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers already made one splash move prior to the NFL trade deadline in grabbing Christian McCaffrey, but John Lynch may want to make some more.
In all likelihood, the San Francisco 49ers are done with shopping just ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline, which strikes at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
After that, no trades can take place. The Niners will have to wait until the start of the 2023 league new year before engaging in trade talks with other teams again.
However, general manager John Lynch has already made his blockbuster NFL trade deadline deal by grabbing All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. And while it was an expensive move from San Francisco’s vantage point, the fact McCaffrey almost single-handedly beat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8 points to the trade being worthwhile.
The 49ers are now without picks in Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, thanks to the McCaffrey trade and the 2021 move-up that landed quarterback Trey Lance.
Yet Lynch and Co. could spend the last few hours before the trade deadline either trying to acquire cheaper assets via day-three picks, or they may consider offloading excess talent in an effort to recoup some draft capital.
Either way, here are four potential deals Lynch and the Niners may look to engineer before the NFL trade deadline goes final.
Editor’s Note: All player availability as of Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. ET.
NFL trade deadline move No. 1: 49ers trade for Commanders CB William Jackson III
OK, so this potential deal requires a hat tip over to the folks at Pro Football Focus, who suggested San Francisco engineer a trade with the Washington Commanders for veteran cornerback William Jackson III.
PFF’s suggested compensation was two seventh-round draft picks, which the 49ers have. And while Washington is likely to accept something, anything to get rid of the disgruntled Jackson at this point, there are likely going to be at least a couple of other bidders on the market who’d be willing to pay a shade more than two final-round draft picks.
Simply put, the Niners would have to up their offer, but a fifth-rounder in exchange isn’t terrible.
San Francisco needs a starting-caliber corner to pair with Charvarius Ward in the wake of losing Emmanuel Moseley to a season-ending ACL tear. And while the 49ers are hoping veteran cornerback Jason Verrett can return healthy enough from his own ACL tear suffered early in 2021, the reality is Verrett is awfully injury-prone, too, meaning a healthier body is needed.
Jackson would fit that void, and the Commanders want to get rid of him while getting at least something in return.