3 things we learned from 49ers' moves (and non-moves) at NFL trade deadline

The 49ers mostly stayed inactive at the 2024 NFL trade deadline, which reveal some notable takeaways from general manager John Lynch and Co.

In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers made the splashiest of splash moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline by acquiring All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers.

That's just one move general manager John Lynch and the Niners executed over the years at the deadline, and the franchise has rarely shied away from being aggressive amid what's turned into a lengthy Super Bowl window.

In 2024, however, the net results were less than jaw-dropping.

San Francisco executed a last-minute trade, sending a 2026 seventh-round NFL Draft choice to the Houston Texans in exchange for rotational defensive tackle Khalil Davis, a move that'll shore up a relatively thin defensive line while assisting with what's been a porous run defense.

However, it's fair to wonder if the 49ers could have done more.

In light of the Niners' lone transaction, as well as the moves Lynch ultimately didn't pull off, what can we learn about San Francisco's focus over the second half of the season?

Here are three takeaways.

No. 1: 49ers indeed prioritized their defensive line

Going into deadline season, the D-line was widely regarded as the 49ers' top need to address via a trade.

The 49ers were reportedly entertaining a blockbuster move that would send Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back from the Indianapolis Colts to the team that drafted him in 2016, but nothing much amounted to it other than the interest. Additionally, Lynch and the Niners were suggested as a potential trade partner for the New York Giants involving edge rusher Azeez Ojulari until the G-Men pulled the plug on any would-be talks.

It's anyone's guess whether or not San Francisco was in on the sweepstakes for now-Detroit Lions pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith or now- Pittsburgh Steelers edge Preston Smith, but both would have aided what's currently a thin crop of pass-rushers behind All-Pro Nick Bosa.

Davis isn't going to move the needle much, but his acquisition does suggest the 49ers wanted to beef up a relatively weak and banged-up D-line depth chart for the second half.

No. 2: 49ers are happy with their wide receiver room despite Brandon Aiyuk injury

Grabbing a wide receiver could have been a distant No. 2 priority for Lynch and Co., particularly after Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending ACL and MCL tears.

Combined with fellow wideouts Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings being banged up, the notion of grabbing a proven pass catcher now who could alleviate depth concerns made some sense.

As was the case with D-line possibilities, there was some moderate buzz surrounding wide receiver targets at the deadline, but those came in with far less regularity.

What this suggests is the Niners are both happy with their crop of reserve wideouts, namely rookie Ricky Pearsall after his recent two-game NFL debut, as well as banking upon healthy returns from both Samuel and Jennings for the second half.

No. 3: 49ers must be treating returning injured players like trade pickups

Jennings isn't the only injured player poised to return soon. In fact, San Francisco is banking on two other star contributors making massive impacts when they get back from injuries.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw has yet to play this season because of the Achilles tear suffered in last February's Super Bowl. While linebacker depth behind Fred Warner has been a massive question mark this season, the anticipated return of Greenlaw in the near future essentially absolves the need for the 49ers to invest in another backer on the trade market.

Likewise, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is poised to return from injured reserve after missing the first eight games of the season because of Achilles tendinitis, and there's a strong chance he'll make his 2024 debut when the Niners face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

Both of those notable players essentially serve the kind of role as would an in-season blockbuster trade addition, improving a roster that has yet to see their impact thus far in 2024.

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