Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers were quiet on deadline day, not making any moves as they elected to keep their draft picks and move ahead with their current roster.
The 49ers did make a move for defensive lineman Keion White, swapping a sixth-round pick for a seventh-round pick with the New England Patriots last week. But, they remained pat on Tuesday, indicating how they feel about this year’s team without stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
There were some moves for edge rushers on deadline day, including the Philadelphia Eagles trading a third-round pick for Miami Dolphins pass-rusher Jaelen Phillips.
But, other rumored pass-rushers to be dealt, such as Miami’s Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon, New York’s Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald, Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, Tennessee’s Arden Key, and Kavyon Thibodeaux, were all not moved by their respective teams.
The asking price for several of those players was very high. The Jets were reportedly looking for a second-round pick for Johnson after trading stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. And the Bengals were reportedly looking for a first-round pick.
However, it was a bit of a surprise that some of those teams didn’t unload more expiring contracts, given where they currently stand.
With no moves, the 49ers are projected to have eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including three projected fourth-round compensatory picks.
Given their 6-3 record, should they have made a move at the deadline?
After Nick Bosa went down several weeks ago with a torn ACL, the outlook on this season was diminished, even with the 49ers’ impressive start. Then came the Fred Warner season-ending injury, which was even more killer, and San Francisco’s defense has slid since, ranking in the bottom 10 in EPA per play.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch both were wary of moving future assets for players that don’t help the team past this season as well. That proved to be true with the 49ers staying pat at the deadline.
Electing not to be aggressive could end up panning out well, as the 49ers have a good haul of draft picks for 2026 and an offseason where they can spend where needed in free agency after resetting their books this year. The injuries certainly limit the ceiling of the team. But, it also shows a lack of confidence in a team that has fought hard en route to a 6-3 record and potential playoff spot.
Pass rush was a clear need after Mykel Williams tore his ACL, and that’s where the 49ers were most rumored in trade speculation. Even if it wasn’t a big move, San Francisco could’ve looked for another body to add to their current group.
That figures to be a problem for the rest of the season now, even after Bryce Huff returns, given the team’s depth at the position now.
San Francisco is still in a good spot to push for the playoffs with their remaining schedule. The 3-0 start in a very competitive division is...
