The San Francisco 49ers made an early splash this season, trading for and reuniting with Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner a few weeks ahead of the trade deadline.
Buckner, 32, had accumulated 31 tackles, four sacks, and three pass breakups for the lowly Colts this season, and was entering the final year of his contract. In return, the 49ers sent just a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Heading into the deadline, the 49ers are considered a clear buyer and could end up being one of the more active teams in the NFL. They addressed one area on Tuesday with the addition of a defensive tackle, giving them another reliable option next to Osa Odighizuwa and some much-needed depth.
Where else could the 49ers add ahead of the deadline after trading for Buckner?
The obvious choice is in the same position group, but on the edge rather than up the middle. The 49ers had perhaps an even bigger need at edge, given the standout play from rookie Gracen Halton to open the year.
Without Nick Bosa, the 49ers have found a way to manage, thanks to the creativity of Raheem Morris and his scheme. But as San Francisco continues to face playoff-caliber teams, they should add another pass rusher on the edge, even with Bosa in the mix.
And this market should have a ton of them open, with names mentioned including Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack, and others.
Now, San Francisco does have a lot of young talent, with Halton, Romello Height, Keion White, Mykel Williams, and others on the defensive line. But a trade for a proven edge rusher will add more depth, keep bodies fresh, and provide the 49ers with a strong tandem once Nick Bosa is healthy.
The secondary has certainly been a strength for the 49ers this season, and Raheem Morris’s background as a defensive back seems to be playing into it.
The cornerbacks are playing more confidently, which has resulted in more plays made, while the safety room led by Malik Mustapha has done its job and more.
However, the 49ers could use one extra depth piece here, as top reserve Jack Jones has continued to struggle when thrust into action over the past few weeks. The 49ers have responded by trying out a variety of different lineups, but getting some corner depth to replace Jones could be a different priority.
Now, I don’t think the 49ers will look only short-term at wide receiver, with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson all expected to play in the coming weeks.
But there are avenues the 49ers can still improve their receiver room with a minor trade. First off, that group still has injury concerns, which could haunt San Francisco closer to playoff time. Adding a younger receiver that fits well in the room (perhaps Josh Downs?) could be what the 49ers need as that final depth piece.
Still, with so many new faces in the receiver room, San Francisco could benefit from adding a younger, controllable option who can contribute now while remaining part of the team’s long-term plans.
Many clamored for the 49ers to get into the Quenton Nelson sweepstakes, but even at a very reasonable price, I don’t see the Niners trading for an offensive lineman with the way their unit is currently playing.
Everywhere else, they’re pretty set depth-wise. They’ve got pieces at quarterback, running back, and tight end, while linebacker is one of the more loaded groups as a whole on the roster.
That allows the 49ers to shoot high for their targets at the positions listed above, and they could part ways with some serious draft capital to do so.
The 49ers probably don’t make moves at all three positions on top of the Buckner move. But reports suggest they’ll be aggressive heading into the deadline, and these are the few spots where they can really improve.