The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a big 2025 season, one that follows their first playoff absence since 2020 and is also on the tails of some serious player departures.
Thus, things are different this year including some of the names in the locker room, especially up front on the offensive line. Offensive guard Aaron Banks left in free agency to join the Green Bay Packers, while swing tackle Jaylon Moore signed a hefty deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their new starter on the left side of the O-line.
Yet, the Niners chose not to spend a single pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on the O-line until Round 7, grabbing Iowa's Connor Colby almost as an afterthought.
Left tackle Trent Williams enters the new season at 37 years old and dealt with ankle injuries for much of 2024. Center Jake Brendel is also in his 30s, while second-year guard Dominic Puni is the only listed starter not over the age of 25. Plus, no clear option to back up Williams and right tackle Colton McKivitz has been declared.
In looking at ways to improve the roster, a pair of trades should be proposed with other NFC playoff contenders to bolster the O-line. Depth at such a vital part to the 49ers roster could use another experienced athlete (or two) to help San Francisco return to the Super Bowl.
1. 49ers trade 6th-round pick to Eagles for Kendall Lamm
San Francisco tried signing offensive lineman DJ Humphries last spring, however, he opted to ink a deal with another NFC West team, the Los Angeles Rams.
The Philadelphia Eagles recently signed Matt Pryor to a one-year deal, which added depth to their O-line. If the 49ers call the Eagles regarding a package for the 33-year-old tackle listed second on their depth chart, Kendall Lamm, a deal might be made.
With the Eagles drafting Myles Hinton in Round 6 last April, Lamm now seems to be expendable and ripe for the Niners' taking.
Adding Lamm would account for slightly over $1.25 million in 2025, according to Over the Cap. He is a free agent after this year, making the 10-year veteran a low risk gamble to trade for.
Should Williams get hurt or need to play less downs, Lamm can step in and take the field for San Francisco at a low cost. If not, then the 49ers can reset in next year's NFL Draft.
2. 49ers trade 6th-round pick to Lions for Giovanni Manu and a 7th-round pick
Another deal involving an NFC foe and a recently inked player could net the same gain for San Francisco. The Detroit Lions not only inked Justin Herron to a deal to play offensive tacke for them, but they also drafted a pair of guards in April.
The 49ers could take advantage of their depth chart and call the Lions about Giovanni Manu. The 24-year-old is a former fourth-round pick himself who also had the distinction of being drafted by the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Manu didn't see the field his rookie season, but a late day-three pick swap and Manu heading to the Bay Area would be an easy exchange, especially considering the Niners already boast two Round 6 picks.
Adding a young talent who is listed at 6-foot-7' and 350 pounds beefs up the offensive line behind Williams. Ulike Lamm, Manu is under contract beyond the 2025 season. Trading for him is potentially cheaper in the short run as his salary for this season is just under $1 million.
With two more years left in his current deal, Manu is more of a gamble but serves the need to strengthen San Francisco's roster at offensive tackle on the left side.
There's no guarantee 49ers general manager John Lynch makes a trade. If his team wants to make sure that missing the playoffs doesn't happen again, adding depth behind Williams is a wise decision for business.
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