49ers Trade Deadline Targets Two Weeks Out

The NFL trade deadline falls on Halloween and the Niners are expected to go trick or treating once again. They’ve had great success at the deadline, adding wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, defensive end Charles Omenihu, and last year's team-altering move, Christian McCaffrey.

This year's initial trade for Randy Gregory paid immediate dividends as he produced a sack, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits against Cleveland. The need at edge appears to be addressed.

The Niners could consider a move or two at defensive back, offensive tackle, linebacker, tight end, or wide receiver.

DEFENSIVE BACK
Denver has stated that Patrick Surtain will not be traded. A few other options are worth considering.

Jaylon Johnson (Chicago) 24, 6-0/196
Reports from Chicago indicate that the Niners have asked about the availability and asking price for Jaylon Johnson. He was in the top six in the league in his rookie year in passes defended. He has a top-ten coverage grade of 84.1 from Pro Football Focus this season, albeit in limited snaps due to injury.

If Johnson is signed away in free agency the Bears are projected to receive a 4th round pick in compensation, so the bidding would likely start at a 3rd rounder. Philadelphia is looking for secondary help given their injuries but is expected to prioritize safety. Dallas and Pittsburgh may also shop at cornerback.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Trent Williams’ ankle injury may give the Niners more urgency in looking at tackle, but the choices are limited.

La’el Collins (free agent) 30, 6-4/320
Collins has medical clearance from his doctor coming off ACL and MCL surgery. He’s met with teams, but the Niners have not been mentioned as having interest.

Garett Bolles (Denver) 31, 6-5/300
The Broncos starting left tackle is reportedly on the block. He has a PFF grade of 72.8 and has only allowed one sack this year. Historically he’s been a top-20 tackle in the league. The concern for the Niners is Bolles makes $16 million next year and that may disrupt their plans for re-signing starters.

LINEBACKER

The lack of depth was exposed in the loss to Cleveland, the defense has a significant dropoff after Dre Greenlaw. The Niners invested two draft picks at linebacker, but they may not contribute until next year.

Frankie Luvu (Carolina) 27, 6-3/235
Niner defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will be familiar with him from his time in Carolina. Luvu has 27 tackles and four sacks this year, with a PFF grade of 67.8. He’s a free agent at the end of the season.

Jordan Hicks (Minnesota) 32, 6-1/236
If the Vikings decide to sell at the deadline, Hicks is an option as an aging but highly productive vet about to enter free agency. He has 37 tackles and a forced fumble with a PFF grade of 80.1 this year.

TIGHT END
With early draft pick Cameron Latu on season-ending IR, the Niners might be in the market for a receiving tight end.

Zach Ertz (Arizona) 32, 6-5/250
A proven receiver and blocker, Ertz has 24 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown this year. However, Arizona would be unlikely to deal him in the division.

Hunter Henry (New England) 28, 6-5/258
A free agent after this season, Henry is a solid receiver with 18 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns this year.

WIDE RECEIVER
Deebo Samuel’s injury history may lead the Niners to take a look at who might fit for receiver depth. Arizona’s Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore would be great fits, but again the Cardinals probably don’t deal within the division.

Mecole Hardman (NY Jets) 25, 5-10/187
An effective deep threat and gadget player at Kansas City, Hardman has been a healthy scratch for the Jets with just one catch on the year. He's being shopped.

Kendrick Bourne (New England) 28, 6-1/205
The former Niner has 28 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns this year. He’d be plug-and-play given his experience in Kyle Shanahan's system. Bourne should be available for a late pick and he’ll be a free agent.