A week ago, the San Francisco 49ers were running away with the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams were slow to get out of the gate, giving Kyle Shanahan's team a healthy cushion in one of the NFL's most competitive divisions.
Things aren't so simple now. The Niners took their first loss of the season, bringing the Seahawks within two games of the top spot in the division. Now that Seattle has made a splash trade for Quenton Nelson, it seems poised to put even more pressure on San Francisco.
The 49ers must respond.
According to Jordan Schultz, San Francisco general manager John Lynch is expected to make a move after watching the Seahawks add talent. He doesn't have to bring in an All-Pro, but with the current state of the 49ers' injuries, reinforcements are needed.
These three deals should be on the table for San Francisco.
3 San Francisco 49ers trades to counter Seahawks' Quenton Nelson blockbuster
49ers send a 2028 6th-round pick to Colts for DT Grover Stewart
If the Nelson trade was the first in a Colts fire sale, the Niners should check in on Grover Stewart's availability. Of course, DeForest Buckner would be the more popular Indianapolis defensive tackle, but Stewart fits San Francisco's needs better than his teammate does.
The 33-year-old pro is an anchor against the run. He would free up Osa Odighizuwa and Gracen Halton to play gap-shooting roles without sacrificing the integrity of the run defense.
It's hard to imagine the Colts asking for anything more than a sixth-round pick for Stewart at this stage of his career. A late-round pick swap may even get a deal done.
49ers give Jaguars a 2027 4th-round pick for WR Brian Thomas Jr.
If a Stewart isn't a big enough splash for you, how about a swing for Brian Thomas Jr.? The Jacksonville Jaguars receiver is clearly on the outs in Liam Coen's offense, but the production he had in his rookie season proves that he can be a game-changing player.
The 49ers desperately need help at the position with Mike Evans out. Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins can't continue to be the top receivers available for San Francisco.
Trading for a struggling receiver is certainly a risk, but it's one that Lynch should be willing to take based on the current state of his roster.
49ers send Chargers a 2027 4th-round pick for EDGE Khalil Mack
The Colts aren't the only AFC team that could be holding a fire sale at the trade deadline. The Los Angeles Chargers are now the only winless team in the NFL, and they have multiple veterans who could be available.
Khalil Mack is currently on a one-year deal and likely won't return to L.A. after this season. He could be available for a mid-round draft pick, and he's still one of the league's better run defenders off the edge.
The Niners have a few quality players in their edge rotation already, but adding a veteran like Mack could be crucial in the playoffs.
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