John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers chose not to make a significant move on the final day of the NFL trade deadline, leaving some fans hoping for a blockbuster addition to offset key defensive losses disappointed.
San Francisco had already been active earlier in the trade period. On October 28, the 49ers acquired defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots.Nonetheless, even with the trade deadline coming and going, that doesn’t mean the 49ers aren’t done making any additions.
NFL Network’s league insider Ian Rapoport reported on November 5 that the 49ers are among the teams that free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. will be visiting in the coming days.
According to Rapoport, Samuelis scheduled to visit the Carolina Panthers on November 5, followed by the Green Bay Packers on November 6, the Minnesota Vikings on November 7, the 49ers on November 10, the Chicago Bears on November 11, and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 12.
It also appears that the player isn’t just eager to return to the field, but alsohopes to join a playoff contender. He underwent spinal fusion surgery in April and has since been cleared for football activities,per ESPN.
Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 draft, Samuel has recorded 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career games, including 47 starts
The 49ers Were Looking for One Last Major Trade
The news of the 49ers reportedly looking to sign Samuel comeson the heels of San Francisco looking to make amajor move on deadline day.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on November 5, citing sources, that the Bears and 49ers were among the teams that explored a trade for New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
Schultz’s information revealed that New York was seeking a second-round pick in return, which led Chicago to shift its attention to Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.San Francisco ultimately decided not to proceed with thedeal. A trade to the 49ers would have reunited Johnson with former Jets defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Will the 49ers Make One Last Major Addition?
Before the trade deadline, the 49ers notched a 34-24 win over the New York Giants on November 2, improving to 6-3 and putting themselves in a good spot to make a move. Veteran lineman Trent Williams had hoped the team would stay active at the deadline, and while no trade went through, bringing in a free agent signing of Samuel’s caliber, especially healthy, could still give the defense a boost.
“I’m always hopeful that the front office continues to do what they’ve always done,” Williams said postgame (h/t95.7 The Game). “It’s about to put us in the best position to be a championship football team. I know [general manager John Lynch] and them will workmagic. If not, we got what we have in the locker room. I think that’s another one. Obviously, the front office will continue to do their job.”
It will be interesting to see how this entire process unfolds and whether the 49ers are the team that Samuel wants to continue his NFL career after a scary health situation.