The San Francisco 49ers chose to remain inactive during the NFL trade deadline, opting not to engage in the New York Jets fire sale or acquire any notable players to address their injury issues.
In Santa Clara, the absence of a major trade is evident as the 49ers look to recover from injuries. The only potential returns on the practice field this week may be defensive linemen Bryce Huff, who is dealing with a hamstring strain, and Keion White, who joined the team just prior to the deadline.
Here are ten key points regarding the trade deadline”s implications for the 49ers:
- The 49ers previously made trades for White last week, as well as for running back Brian Robinson and wide receiver Skyy Moore in August, along with Huff five months ago.
- None of these transactions required more than a late-round draft pick, but they did affect general manager John Lynch“s draft capital.
- Despite recent trades, the 49ers still possess their first, second, and third-round picks to support this year”s youthful roster.
- As defensive stars Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recover from ACL injuries, the team continues with defensive ends Huff, White, Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal Jr., Clelin Ferrell, and William Bradley-King, with the latter two on the practice squad.
- The 49ers were cautious during March”s free agency to avoid injury-prone veterans, a strategy they maintained at the trade deadline, resulting in the Jets” Jermaine Johnson and the Dolphins” Bradley Chubb remaining with their teams.
- Although the 49ers might have been tempted by Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals, who has faced hip issues recently, the financial investment for both trade and salary would have been significant.
- Defensive end Jaelan Phillips transitioned from the Dolphins to the Super Bowl-winning Eagles for a third-round pick, a notable move given his history with the 49ers.
- Another name of interest, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, was previously targeted by the 49ers before they drafted Bosa in 2019. On the deadline, he was dealt to the Cowboys for a substantial package of future picks.
- The Jets also moved cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts in a deal that included two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell, underscoring the lengths teams will go to enhance their Super Bowl ambitions.
- The Colts made this high-profile acquisition as they aim for success, similar to the Eagles” strategy to fortify their roster for a repeat performance.
As the 49ers navigate their injuries and strategize for the postseason, the decision to forgo trades may serve them well in the long run, allowing for a focus on recovery and future prospects.
