The San Francisco 49ers made a big move by bringing back DeForest Buckner, and now there are some fans who want to see general manager John Lynch do more. On social media, names like Garrett Wilson are being bandied about, and while it’s fun to think about the Niners landing a big name, Lynch may very well exercise restraint.
That might upset fans who want the Niners to be aggressive, but his experience may point him away from that direction. Insider Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area has said he does not see the 49ers making a big move similar to the one that the Chicago Bears pulled off by landing defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans for a hefty sum.
Chicago parted with two first-round draft picks and a fourth-round pick to land Simmons, while San Francisco only parted ways with a fourth-round pick to get Buckner back in the fold, and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to pay some of his remaining salary.
49ers won't likely do anything like what the Bears did for Jeffery Simmons
Now, the Bears will have Simmons for several more seasons while Buckner is going to be a free agent following this season, but that’s still a lot for a team to give up. The Bears clearly mean business, but there are no guarantees the trade will work out. The Los Angeles Rams have shown a blockbuster trade for a defensive lineman doesn’t always pan out as intended with Myles Garrett missing most of the season due to a knee injury thus far.
This isn’t to say Lynch and the 49ers won’t make any more moves, but they’re not going to desperately throw picks at another team unless the value is there. Last season, Lynch spoke about how any players they acquired at the deadline he wanted to be around for 2026 as well, which is why he landed Keion White.
This season may be different, since the Niners now feel like they are in a good position to potentially win the NFC West and get the No. 1 seed in the conference, so expect San Francisco to target guys on expiring deals who can be had for a more affordable price.
Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen and Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack both make sense since they’re veterans on expiring deals who would give the 49ers some much-needed additional depth at two positions they could sorely use it at.
Perhaps if Lynch was a younger executive, he might be more reactionary and try to pull off a trade just as jaw-dropping as Chicago’s. He’s been around the block a while, though, and knows aggressive doesn’t always equal good, so expect a measured approach in the next two weeks.
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