Niners Nation
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We discussed earlier on Wednesday morning whether the San Francisco 49ers would be buyers at the trade deadline. ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler put together a list of the top 25 players who may be available at the deadline, and their best fit. The Niners were listed among the best fits for an overwhelming number of players.
They also predicted the chance of said player getting traded. For example, Trey Hendrickson was listed as a fit for the 49ers, with a 20 percent chance of being traded. The Bengals released a report last week stating they have no plans to trade Hendrickson, which is likely why that number is so low.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the players the Niners were linked to, starting with two positions that may surprise many:
Mark Andrews – TE – Baltimore Ravens
The buzz: The three-time Pro Bowler is a tried-and-true Raven, and Baltimore is still holding out faith that it can make a playoff run despite the 1-5 start. But shipping pass rusher Odafe Oweh to the Chargers surprised many around the league, and the franchise seems open to at least evaluating the future of key veterans. Andrews is making $11 million in the final year of his deal, and tight end Isaiah Likely is also set to hit free agency, probably forcing the Ravens to make some sort of action at the position eventually. — Fowler
The tape: Andrews’ play speed has declined, but he can still operate underneath, using his coverage awareness to make himself available to the QB. Plus, Andrews can be schemed on seams and wheel routes. Andrews has 21 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns this season. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 20%
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys
Andrews turned 30 in September. Getting another weapon at tight end might be enticing, although paying around $6 million for a rental might not be something the Niners want to do. Andrews would be an ideal fit in an offense that has trended toward more of the dink-and-dunk variety under Mac Jones. Nearly half of his receptions have resulted in first downs.
Moving on:
Chris Olave – WR – Saints
The buzz: Rival teams caution that the Saints typically aren’t dealing away players — that’s not GM Mickey Loomis’ style — but New Orleans’ 1-6 record could present opportunities to acquire future assets for a team clearly in a rebuilding phase. Olave has moved past the concussion issues, and he had two big-play touchdowns in Week 7. He’s making a case for a contract extension with New Orleans. And first-year coach Kellen Moore has an offensive background and needs...
