The Falcons faced a severely depleted 49ers receiving corps in Week 7. Mike Evans’ absence left five of the team’s top six wideouts missing. Even with Christian Kirk activated off IR, the free agency pickup played 20 snaps in his San Francisco debut. The team already reacquired DeForest Buckner, but it is probably not done as a buyer. San Francisco is still looking around for receiver help, The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones notes, with veteran insider Jordan Schultz indicating a post-Buckner addition is still being targeted by the 6-1 team. Wideout and pass rusher are on the 49ers’ wish list here, per Schultz.
It appeared another reunion — following the Buckner, Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw comebacks — was on the 49ers’ radar, but Jauan Jennings was not interested in returning. The team had gauged Jennings’ price early this offseason but deemed it too high; other clubs shared that view, leading to the longtime 49er’s Vikings deal (one year, $8MM). Jennings being off the table would point to a true newcomer being pursued, but the 49ers do figure to have Samuel and Evans back soon. Demarcus Robinson and De’Zhaun Stribling are expected to come off IR later this season as well.
As far as pass rush goes, the 49ers are expected to have Nick Bosa back after the bye. But neither he nor Mykel Williams has proven durable. That duo has not played together since September 2025, though its return — coupled with the presences of Keion White and Romello Height to go with DTs Buckner and Osa Odighizuwa — will give the 49ers their most formidable looking pass rush in years.
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The Bears are also still looking around after their big-ticket Jeffery Simmonstrade, with Schultz adding more pass-rushing help and secondary aid is on Chicago’s radar. Simmons impressed in his debut, and Austin Booker has four sacks midway through his third season. But Dayo Odeyingbo is back on IR. Chicago has also played without free agency addition Coby Bryant, and it is not certain the ex-Seahawk will be ready to come off IR before the playoffs. Ex-Bills backup Cam Lewis is filling in alongside Dillon Thieneman.
Another team that already made a big move, the Seahawks — who sent the Colts third- and fifth-rounders forQuenton Nelson — may still be on the lookout for an edge rusher, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. Seattle lost Boye Mafe in the offseason and has two older, somewhat injury-prone regulars (DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu) manning the EDGE posts in a group housing the recently extended Derick Hall. John Schneider has been an active buyer in recent years, adding the likes of Leonard Williams, Rashid Shaheed and now Nelson. Seattle’s defense ranks first in yardage and fourth in EPA per play, but its sacks are primarily coming from interior rushers and linebackers. Nwosu and Lawrence have one sack combined.
Certainly in buyer mode, the defending champs may consider selling a part of their front seven. Another front-seven 30-something, Jarran Reed has come up as a potential subtraction at the deadline, Jones adds. The 33-year-old’s second Seattle stint has involved a 47% snap rate and four starts this season; the Williams and Byron Murphy sidekick is on a three-year, $22MM deal that includes a $5.49MM 2026 base salary. No guarantees cover Reed’s 2027 season.
On a similar note, the Saints have a couple pieces they appear willing to deal. Safety Justin Reid and running back Kendre Miller are potential trade chips, per Jones. Miller is in the final year of his rookie deal, while Reid’s three-year, $31.5MM contract features a vet-minimum 2026 base salary and no 2027 guarantees; that would make him attractive to buyers. Though, the struggling team dealing Reid would bring a hefty dead money sum — roughly $18MM — thanks to the organization’s regular restructures. Four void years are on Reid’s deal.
The Commanders don’t look to be sellers yet, as the underwhelming NFC East may still be in reach, but SI.com’s Albert Breer hearsMike Sainristil could be available. The third-year cornerback’s second-round contract runs through 2027. Having played both in the slot and outside in Washington, Sainristil has a few connections worth monitoring. Mike Macdonald coached Sainristil at Michigan, while Breer adds Jesse Minter converted him from WR to DB with the Wolverines. Two-year Commanders DC Joe Whitt is also elsewhere, residing as the Steelers’ DBs coach.