The San Francisco 49ers chose to remain inactive during the recent NFL trade deadline, opting not to engage in the New York Jets” extensive sale of players or to acquire any high-profile names to address their ongoing injury challenges.
In Santa Clara, no major additions are expected this week as the team prepares for upcoming practices. The only potential returnee is defensive lineman Bryce Huff, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, alongside Keion White, who joined the team a week prior to the deadline.
Here are ten insights regarding the trade deadline and its implications for the 49ers:
- The 49ers had previously made a trade last week for White, as well as earlier deals in August for running back Brian Robinson and wide receiver Skyy Moore, and five months ago for Huff.
- None of these trades required more than a Day 3 draft pick, although they did reduce general manager John Lynch“s draft capital.
- Despite these moves, the 49ers still retain their first, second, and third-round draft picks, which will support this year”s youth movement.
- While Nick Bosa and rookie Mykel Williams recover from ACL injuries, the team will continue to rely on defensive ends such as Huff, White, Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal Jr., and Clelin Ferrell, with William Bradley-King also available on the practice squad.
- The 49ers avoided signing injury-prone veterans in March and maintained that approach during the trade deadline. The Jets” Jermaine Johnson, recovering from an Achilles injury, and Bradley Chubb of the Dolphins, who has faced multiple ACL issues, remain with their respective teams.
- Another player of interest was Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who could have represented a significant investment in terms of trade and salary, but he has been sidelined with a hip injury.
- In a notable trade, Jaelan Phillips transitioned from the Dolphins to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, costing a third-round pick. He was involved in the incident that resulted in Jimmy Garoppolo“s foot injury in 2022, which subsequently opened the door for Brock Purdy“s rise.
- Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was a desired target for the 49ers prior to their selection of Bosa at the second overall pick in 2019. Williams, who went third overall to the Jets, was traded to the Cowboys for a hefty return that included future second and first-round picks.
- Additionally, the Jets made headlines by trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts, who are currently leading the AFC. Gardner”s move cost the Colts two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell, reflecting the high-stakes nature of teams aiming for a Super Bowl run.
- Other notable moves included the Los Angeles Chargers acquiring offensive tackle Trevor Penning from the Saints, and the Jacksonville Jaguars trading for Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders.
As the 49ers look ahead to the postseason, their decision to remain patient during the trade deadline could ultimately pay off as they focus on healing and strengthening their current roster.
