49ers potential trade options reportedly available

The San Francisco 49ers have some decisions to make before the November 10 trade deadline, and a couple of recent reports suggest there could be some interesting players available if other teams decide to sell. With several players missing due to injuries, the 49ers need help. But with some of those players returning after next week's bye, how will the front office approach this?

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Saturday that multiple league executives believe the Jacksonville Jaguars will seriously consider trading wide receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. at the deadline after his role in the offense decreased. You don't usually see a contender being willing to trade away good players. But Thomas may no longer be seen as a player who can help the Jaguars.

Meanwhile, Tom Pelissero reported that the Indianapolis Colts have received strong trade interest in offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Pelissero added that no player is expected to be off-limits if Indianapolis decides to sell.

San Francisco isn't going to be in a position to pursue every big name that becomes available. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have to weigh the cost of a potential acquisition against the team's current needs and what it might mean for the future. Still, there are a few possibilities worth considering.

Brian Thomas Jr. would be an intriguing addition

The 49ers have invested heavily in their receiving corps, but adding another young playmaker with Thomas' ability would give Shanahan another weapon to work with. Thomas had an outstanding rookie season in 2024, finishing with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's still just 24 years old.

His reduced role in Jacksonville could create an opportunity for another team to buy low on a receiver whose value hasn't necessarily disappeared. The question is what the Jaguars would demand in return and whether they would actually be willing to move him.

For San Francisco, Thomas would offer another potential big-play threat and a long-term piece at a position where the team will eventually have to make some difficult decisions. Of course, the 49ers would need to determine whether his current struggles are a product of Jacksonville's offense, his own development, or some combination of the two.

DeForest Buckner is the more obvious fit on defense

The former 49ers first-round pick remains a productive interior defensive lineman, and San Francisco could always use more help generating pressure up front. Buckner knows the organization, has played under Shanahan, and would give the defensive line another proven veteran. Plus, Buckner has been one of the league's top-rated run defenders in 2026, which makes him an even better fit for his former team.

But does he fit financially? Buckner is an established veteran with a significant contract, and the 49ers would have to decide whether the financial commitment and trade compensation make sense. His age and long-term fit would also have to factor into the discussion.

Nelson is less likely to be someone the 49ers pursue, even though he would look great on that San Francisco offensive line. Still, Lynch and Shanahan have more pressing needs to address. There are rumors, though, that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in Nelson.

None of these players is guaranteed to be available, and neither report suggests San Francisco has expressed interest in any of them. Their availability depends on Jacksonville and Indianapolis deciding to move in a different direction. Still, with the November 10 deadline approaching, the 49ers should at least be paying attention. If either team becomes serious about selling, Lynch could have an opportunity to improve his roster without having to wait until the offseason.

The bigger question is how aggressive San Francisco wants to be and which position it believes needs the most help for the stretch run. Are the 49ers interested? They almost certainly have already checked in on these players. Will the 49ers pull the trigger? That's the bigger question.