The 49ers Are on the Brink — and Their GM Just Revealed the Move That Could Change Everything.QQ
As things currently stand, the San Francisco 49ers still look to be an above-average team, despite all the injuries they’ve dealt with. In first place in the loaded NFC West, with three of the four teams sitting at 5-2, including the 49ers, it’s evident that San Francisco might have to go out and make a move if it wants to be the team it’s looking to be in the back end of the season and in the playoffs.
When speaking about what the plan might be for the trade deadline, 49ers general manager John Lynch shared that it isn’t a necessity for him to go out and make a trade, but if a player can help them in the short and long term, he’s certainly open to the idea of making a move.
“No, we don’t have to,” Lynch said Thursday on KNBR, per 49ers Web Zone. “Like I’ve said consistently, if it can make our team better, and things align, speaking with other teams, with how it benefits us long term, the analysis of, okay, what kind of compensation does it take from future drafts and all that.”
Will the 49ers Be Active at the NFL Trade Deadline?
The idea of going out and making a trade for the San Francisco 49ers stems from all the injuries the team has dealt with. According to the latest injury report, Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, Fred Warner, and others on the defensive side of the football are all injured.
Star edge rusher Nick Bosa is also done for the year with a significant knee injury.
“But we’ve got plenty in this building,” Lynch said. “Bryce has been a big part of what we do, played a fantastic game. Unfortunately, it was like the second-to-last play of that game where he got his hammy, and he’s just going to be out a couple of games, is kind of what it’s looking like right now.
“We’ll hold down the fort until then. And with respect, I’ve spoken at great length on the other stuff. If it can help our team, we won’t hesitate to do it, but nothing has presented itself that has aligned completely, to this point.”
Can the 49ers Find a Linebacker That Fits Their Defense?
Finding a linebacker and someone to come off the edge will be important for the San Francisco 49ers.
Lynch wasn’t the only one, however, to state that the San Francisco 49ers need someone right now and for the future. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also said that while he doesn’t want to say a player has to be here next season, it’d be important, and he doesn’t want the team to gut what they have just to make a short-sighted move.
“I don’t like to say imperative [that a player we acquire via trade must help next year] at all just because I don’t like to put an absolute on anything,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said about the trade deadline on Monday.
“But yeah, I think that’s something that we definitely would prefer. Of course, we want someone to help us out this year, but I’d love it not to be at the expense of our team next year also. I know we all feel that way, and hopefully, we can find a situation that does both. And If not, you don’t do something like that just to do it. I’m really excited about the guys we have in our building right now also.”
Regardless of how they feel, it’s obvious that Lynch and Shanahan will need some more if the 49ers are going to be the team they’re looking to be.
With Dallas reportedly eyeing Maxx Crosby, analysts say the Patriots should strike fast. Armed with top cap space and a hungry defense, New England could use the Raiders’ All-Pro pass rusher to reignite their playoff hopes.
There has been plenty of speculation over the last few weeks about the Patriots’ potential activity ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline on November 4, both in terms of trading for and trading away players to improve their roster this season. Not much has been said about their plans directly from Mike Vrabel and Co., but more intriguing names continue to pop up that would be excellent additions to inquire about.
Most conversation has surrounded wide receivers and running backs, and while either position makes sense for the Patriots right now, adding a legitimate threat in the pass rush could be considered the best use of their league-high remaining cap space this year.
