Sportsnaut
Injuries have been the name of the game for the San Francisco 49ers for several seasons. Last year, their durability issues may have been the biggest reason why Kyle Shanahan’s team missed the postseason.
This year, we’ve seen starting quarterback Brock Purdy miss four of the team’s six games. But that’s not all. All-Pro defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner have also been lost to season-ending injuries. Now, the 49ers could be ready to capitalize on a 4-2 record by trading for another All-Pro replacement.
According to ESPN’s NFL insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, one possible replacement for Warner could be New York Jets All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams.
“If the Jets are dealing players, as most people seem to expect they will, could linebacker Quincy Williams (who’s playing on the final year of his contract) make sense for San Francisco?” Graziano asked.
“The Warner injury leaves a massive hole in the middle of the 49ers’ defense that can’t be replaced,” Fowler wrote. “But adding reinforcements would be a sensible option. Williams has a long history with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh from their days with the Jets. He became an All-Pro under Saleh. And sitting at 0-6 feels like a unique window for the Jets to acquire assets for the future. So, on paper it makes sense. Another linebacker on my radar is Houston’s Christian Harris, a multiyear starter who is now in a backup role. He plays for DeMeco Ryans, who’s an extension of the 49ers’ defensive principles.”
With Williams stuck on a winless team, it could make a lot of sense for the Jets to exchange him for other assets that can help build toward a competitive team. However, trading Quincy may be tricky, considering he gets to play on the same defense as his brother Quinnen Williams.
Plus, Quincy is currently on injured reserve. He hasn’t played since September 21st, but the 29-year-old linebacker was placed on injured reserve after Week 3, which means he won’t be eligible to return until Week 8, at the earliest. With the NFL trade deadline not occurring until the Tuesday following Week 9, the 49ers have a limited window to strike a deal.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Trade Rumors Links Team to All-Pro Pass-Rusher
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