The San Francisco 49ers already pulled off a blockbuster trade ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, bringing back Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a mutually beneficial move with the Indianapolis Colts.
In doing so, general manager John Lynch fortified the interior of his defensive line. But, amid injuries and a desperate attempt to stave off stiff competition within the NFC, Lynch will certainly look to do much more between now and the deadline.
Buckner's addition helps the D-line's interior, but it doesn't automatically address edge-rushing deficiencies. There's also an acute shortage of healthy wide receivers, while it wouldn't be the worst idea to add depth at other spots along the roster, too.
Splash trades are fun, but what if Lynch opted to go a "sneakier" route and add talent that doesn't necessarily grab front-page headlines.
Let's explore five of those potential moves that could up San Francisco's prospects of winning a Super Bowl.
5 non-splash trades 49ers could pull off between now and NFL trade deadline
No. 1: 49ers pry Josh Uche away from floundering Dolphins
True, the 49ers are expecting All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa back from injury soon, and Buckner's presence can help on the outside, too. But the crop of outside pass-rushers is awfully thin and includes less-known names like Keion White, Mykel Williams and rookie Romello Height.
Meanwhile, Josh Uche is wasting away on a rebuilding Miami Dolphins squad. And while he's far removed from the 11.5-sack campaign he enjoyed with the New England Patriots back in 2022, the 28 year old could still be viewed as a serviceable rotational player.
With a prorated veteran's minimum salary to absorb, it shouldn't take anything more than a seventh-round pick from the Niners to strike a deal.
No. 2: Send Mac Jones to Eagles for Dallas Goedert and a pick
OK, now we're getting a bit more creative.
After an ice-cold market last offseason, San Francisco may soon find other teams bidding for its backup quarterback, Mac Jones, who'll be a free agent this offseason anyway. And the Philadelphia Eagles may be exploring options under center in light of Jalen Hurts' blood clots and uncertain future beyond 2026.
Perhaps Jones is a plausible solution with potentially long-term benefits to Philly.
Back in the Bay Area, the 49ers are precariously hoping veteran tight end George Kittle stays healthy, especially after losing TE2 Jake Tonges to a season-ending injury at the year's outset. Should Kittle go down, it'd be disastrous.
But, not if the Niners take on another veteran tight end in Dallas Goedert, who is good for at least 400 receiving yards per year and would cost San Francisco just $1.345 million in post-trade money.
No. 3: 49ers beef up WR room with Quentin Johnston
It shouldn't be a surprise the winless Los Angeles Chargers are looked at as a prime seller ahead of the trade deadline, even though the Bolts have reportedly denied any interest in moving player assets despite the horrid start.
That said, fourth-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston seems to be a prime candidate even though the 2023 Round 1 draft pick has just 12 catches for 202 yards in an inept Mike McDaniel offense.
True, the 49ers don't need to reach for a prime wide receiver, at least not with veterans like Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson all coming back soon from injuries. But banking on those three to stay fully healthy over the balance of the regular season and into the playoffs isn't smart, and the fact the Niners tried (and failed) to trade for now-Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings reveals Lynch and Co. are at least looking.
Trading a third-round pick to L.A. for Johnston is way too steep, but getting a conditional fifth-round pick back in return (it would turn into a Round 4 selection, should Johnston fail to meet certain milestones with San Francisco) help make the deal go through.
No. 4: 49ers upgrade at LG with Jackson Powers-Johnson
Interestingly enough, second-year pro Connor Colby has mostly held his own at left guard, yet the Chicago Bears' blockbuster acquisition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (combined with Chicago emerging as a key threat within the conference) points to the 49ers looking at would-be upgrades over Colby, their weakest link on the offensive line.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders recently benched third-year guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, and it's probably safe to assume he'll be on the trade block.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested a "Day 3 pick swap might get something done, allowing the Raiders to improve positioning on the back of the draft order."
In addition to acquiring the 2024 Round 2 draftee out of Oregon, the Niners would send their own fifth-round draft pick in 2027 to Vegas, which would move up from what'd likely be no better than a mid-round selection in Round 6.
Trading down 15 to 20 spots on day three is well worth the upgrade at left guard, particularly with the NFC arms race heating up.
No. 5: Send Brandon Aiyuk packing to Chiefs for Day 3 pick swap
Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk recently hired Drew Rosenhaus as an agent, suggesting he's imminently going to apply for reinstatement after San Francisco placed him on the reserve/left squad list.
With a return to the 49ers out of the question, Lynch and Co. will be pressed into trying to move Aiyuk via trade, getting whatever they can in return to fully be rid of the year-plus headache. And it just so happens the Kansas City Chiefs are wholly desperate for wide receiver help—ironic, given K.C. was the opponent when Aiyuk suffered his devastating knee injury in October of 2024.
A seventh-round pick is likely the max value for Aiyuk, who hasn't stepped foot on the field since that date. But Kansas City doesn't have a Round 7 selection, currently, and the Niners would assuredly have to send something back to the Chiefs along with Aiyuk.
Switching picks in Rounds 6 and 7 should be adequate enough, especially if Kansas City aims to get some perimeter weapons as it falls down the AFC pecking order.
In doing so, San Francisco would finally be able to close the book on Aiyuk, once and for all. That's a win.
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