Despite being hit hard by injuries, the San Francisco 49ers remain one of the stronger teams in the NFC. They currently lead the competitive NFC West, where three of the four teams, including the 49ers, sit at 5-2.
However, with several key defensive players sidelined, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan may have little choice but to explore the trade market.
Lynch acknowledged that while a move isn’t mandatory, he’s willing to strike a deal if it strengthens the team both now and in the long run. His focus, along with Shanahan’s, is on finding a balance between short-term success and maintaining the franchise’s future stability.
San Francisco Weighs Trade Options as Defensive Injuries Pile Up
San Francisco’s defense has been hit particularly hard, losing Fred Warner and Nick Bosa for the remainder of the season. Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos also appeared on the injury report, though both are expected to return later.
Even with these setbacks, Lynch insisted the team will not make a reactionary move unless it makes sense strategically.
“No, we don’t have to,” Lynch said Thursday on KNBR, via 49ers Web Zone. “Like I’ve said consistently, if it can make our team better, and things align, speaking with other teams, with how it benefits us long term, the analysis of, okay, what kind of compensation does it take from future drafts and all that.”
Lynch added that the front office believes in the current roster but remains ready to act if the right opportunity appears.
“We’ll hold down the fort until then,” he said. “If it can help our team, we won’t hesitate to do it, but nothing has presented itself that has aligned completely, to this point.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that any acquisition should ideally serve both the present and the future.
“Of course, we want someone to help us out this year,” Shanahan said, “but I’d love it not to be at the expense of our team next year also.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the 49ers have been named a team to watch.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is among the potential targets, along with Bradley Chubb and Jaelen Phillips from the Dolphins, Jermaine Johnson of the Jets, and Arden Key of the Titans.
Key, who previously played in San Francisco, could be an intriguing option given his familiarity with the system and his affordable contract, though he’s currently recovering from a quad injury.
The 49ers will next face the Houston Texans, a matchup that could allow them to pressure rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud behind a struggling offensive line.
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