The San Francisco 49ers were reported to have shopped at high-end stores before the NFL trade deadline, calling around for the likes of Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
While San Francisco was priced out of those bigger names, they still made a few cheaper but still impactful moves. They took advantage of the Colts' bargain bin, trading for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Two veterans bring a steady presence to positional groups lacking depth. General manager John Lynch targeted his team's biggest needs, but he may have tipped his hand on another move he has up his sleeve.
49ers have one more hole to patch
The red and gold entered the trade deadline as clear buyers with three positional needs: wide receiver, defensive tackle, and defensive end. They addressed only two, leaving the team with a clear weakness on the defensive edge.
Sure, San Francisco has five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa, but he, like an unfortunately large number of his teammates, struggles to stay on the field. Bosa has dealt with nagging knee ailments after his third career ACL tear last season, causing him to miss five of eight games in 2026 and limiting his production when he is available.
Behind the former all-pro, the 49ers have plenty of young talent and solid rotational veterans, as Romello Height and Mykel Williams have both shown flashes, but inconsistencies make them hard to trust in late-game situations. Keion White, whom Lynch traded for at last year's deadline, is having a quality season with 3.5 sacks to his name, but would likely be more effective if the Niners made one last move.
Familiar faces await a call from the 49ers
Three names stick out as options for Lynch to sign, all three of which have ties to San Francisco, one a little different than the other.
Joey Bosa, the older brother of 49ers' fan favorite Nick Bosa, has been tied to the red and gold for years, as the brothers have both mentioned a desire to play alongside one another, but haven't made it happen.
Joey, who was drafted by the Chargers in 2016 and later named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, spent his last season in Buffalo, racking up five sacks and five forced fumbles in just 15 games. Not only would his presence alone give the Niners' defensive line another boost, but he could also potentially rejuvenate his younger brother, giving San Francisco two bears on either side of the line.
In a more traditional reunion, the 49ers could target either Leonard Floyd or Yetur Gross-Matos, who were teammates on the 2024 Niners team. Both could fill in as solid rotational pieces and give the defensive line another body to attack opposing quarterbacks.
As the second half of the NFL season begins, depth becomes extremely important. While San Francisco looks to have the makings of a potential Super Bowl roster, adding another piece who knows the Niners' way could onlybenefit a franchise looking to end an almost 32-year Super Bowl drought.
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