The San Francisco 49ers made an early splash this season, trading for and reuniting with Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner weeks before the trade deadline.
Buckner, 32, has amassed 31 tackles, four sacks and three pass breakups for the lowly Colts this season, and is entering the final year of his contract. In return, the 49ers sent only a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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Heading into the deadline, the 49ers were considered an obvious buyer and could be one of the more active teams in the NFL. They addressed a spot 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 before the deadline after trading for Buckner?
Defensive end
The obvious choice is in the same position group, but on the side instead of up in the middle. Perhaps the 49ers had a bigger need, given the standout game from rookie Gracen Halton to open the year.
Without Nick Bosa, the 49ers found a way to manage, thanks to the creativity of Raheem Morris and his technique. But as San Francisco continues to face playoff-caliber teams, they should add another pass rusher to the side, even with Bosa in the mix.
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And this market should have a ton of openings, with names mentioned including Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack, and others.
Now, San Francisco has 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 would add more depth, keep bodies fresh, and give the 49ers a strong tandem once Nick Bosa is healthy.
Cornerback
The secondary has certainly been a strength for the 49ers this season, and Raheem Morris’ background as a defensive back seems to play into it.
The cornerbacks are playing with more confidence, which has resulted in more plays being made, while the safety room led by Malik Mustapha has done its job and more.
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However, the 49ers could use an extra depth piece here, as top reserve Jack Jones has continued to struggle to see action over the past few weeks. The 49ers have responded by trying different lineups, but getting some cornerback depth to replace Jones may be another priority.
Wide Receiver
Now, I don’t think the 49ers’ look at wide receiver will be short-lived, with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson all expected to play in the coming weeks.
But there are ways the 49ers could improve their receiver room with a small trade. First of all, that group still has injury concerns, which could linger in San Francisco closer to playoff time. Adding a younger receiver who fits well in the room (maybe Josh Downs?) could be just what the 49ers need as the final depth piece.
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However, 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.
Other moves
Many have called for the 49ers to enter the Quenton Nelson sweepstakes, but even at a very reasonable price, I don’t see the Niners trading up for an offensive lineman with the way they’re currently playing.
Everywhere else, they’re pretty set depth-wise. They have pieces at quarterback, running back, and tight end, while linebacker is one of the more loaded groups overall on the roster.
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That allows the 49ers to shoot high for their targets at the positions listed above, and they can part with some serious draft capital to do so.
The 49ers are unlikely to make moves at all three positions on top of moving Buckner. But reports suggest they will be aggressive heading into the deadline, and these are some areas where they could really improve.