The San Francisco 49ers have started off the season strong, going 4-2, while $260 million quarterback Brock Purdy has been limited due to injuries.

The NFL trade deadline always brings hope and questions. With the upcoming deadline on Nov 4, the 49ers can make a push for a Super Bowl appearance, but might need to make a move or two to make sure of their chances.

The 49ers have been riddled with injuries so far. Arguably the team’s three best players, Fred Warner, Joey Bosa, and George Kittle will also miss significant time because of numerous injuries,  possibly not to return this season. Purdy is out with a turf toe injury.The wide receiver core of Ricky Pearsall, and Juan Jennings have been banged up all year, and Brandon Aiyuk hasn’t seen the field yet. With all these players salaries combined, the 49ers are losing ten million dollars worth of contract play, per game. This has led to the 49ers giving up more points than they have earned, scoring 125, and giving up 128.

The stars have not just missed time, the role players have too. Kick returner Jordan Watkins, offensive linemen Spencer Buford and Ben Bartch, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, Tarron Jackson and Kevin Givens have already missed time. General manager John Lynch could make some trades that can put the 49ers back on track and healthier.

“If we find a way to make our football team better, and it aligns, then we will not be shy on pulling the trigger,” Lynch said in an October 12, 2025 article from SF Gate, 

One name that has been on everyone’s mind is Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson. The 30 year old has had 17 sacks in each of the last two seasons, and was in a contract dispute this offseason which was never fully figured out. With Hendrickson being on the last year of his contract, and the Bengals flurrying as of late, this move could very possibly be made. Hendrickson would step right into Bosa’s position.

The Miami Dolphins’ defensive lineman Bradley Chubb is another name that could be added if Hendrickson is not possible. The Dolphins are 1-5 and could potentially enter a fire sale.Chubb has 4 sacks this season and has two more years remaining on his contract. If the 49ers want to save trade assets, this might be the most realistic option with Chubb’s value significantly lower than Hendrickson.

An option going under the radar is David Njoku. Star tight end George Kittle will be out for at least a couple more weeks, but adding more weapons to ease the load is never a bad idea. Njoku has seen a dip in targets this season with Browns rookie Harold Fannin Jr. taking a lot of them. Njoku still has 223 yards and a touchdown but left last week’s game against the Steelers with a thigh injury. Lynch and the rest of the front office can make a low risk, high reward deal.

Demario Davis, the 36-year-old middle linebacker on the New Orleans Saints could be a perfect replacement for Fred Warner. The Saints are 1-5 and have gone 22-35 over the last 4 years but have not shown a willingness to trade away veterans.  Davis is in his final year of his contract, so if there was ever a time for the 49ers to trade for him, it would be now.

Finally, Las Vegas Raiders Wide receiver Jakobi Myers could be a good trade candidate. The Raiders are another team who haven’t started off the year well, going 2-4. With the 49ers three starting receivers out, Myers could come in and instantly start. Meyers has racked in 329 yards on 23 receptions this season. The Raider is in his final year of his contract and with contract discussions coming to a halt, Meyers could be on the move.

The deadline to make trades is in three weeks. The 49ers next three opponents are the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Houston Texans. These teams have all beat teams with winning records, so these next three weeks will really show the front office what they have, and what they need.