Report: 49ers are Looking to Acquire an Edge Rusher or Cornerback

Looks like the acquisition of edge rusher Randy Gregory isn't the last move for the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the 49ers are looking to acquire an edge rusher or cornerback with the trade deadline looming. On Wednesday at his press conference, Kyle Shanahan spoke about the possibility of the 49ers looking to add another player specifically on the defensive line.

“We're always interested anywhere that we think will help our team without hurting it, especially for the future," Shanahan said. "So, that's something we're always looking into. But, I think it's helped adding [LB/DL] Randy [Gregory]. I think he's done some good things. I think [DL Clelin Ferrell] Cle made a couple good plays in the game, but we want to do better all around. It's not like we're just targeting that position or anything.”

Basically, the 49ers have John Lynch working the phones tough to see if there is any player that can provide an upgrade. Edge rusher and cornerbacks are typically the most common positions to be traded at the deadline. In reality, the 49ers need an offensive lineman, specifically a right tackle. Colton McKivitz has proven anything promising thus far.

And when the 49ers face a vaunted pass rush like the Philadelphia Eagles, he is going to be an extreme liability. Alas, offensive line trades rarely occur during the season, especially for starters. Regardless, the 49ers definitely need help on the defensive line. The cornerback position could use help as well, but edge rush is the priority since boosting that can help the secondary as well.

It is the better position to look to improve upon than anywhere else on the defense, especially since the pass rush is struggling to generate sacks. Perhaps the 49ers tap the Washington Commanders on the shoulders for one of their edge rushers like Montez Sweat or Chase Young.