Familiar face among potential defensive tackle targets for 49ers at the NFL trade deadline

Inconsistent in rushing the passer and extremely vulnerable against the run, the San Francisco 49ers' problems on the interior defensive line have been apparent throughout a frustrating 2024 season.

Having lost Javon Hargrave for the season to a torn triceps muscle, the 49ers have  struggled for continuity at the heart of the defensive trenches because of further injuries.

Though they are five deep at the position, the 49ers could clearly more help on the inside, and there are some compelling potential options who may be available as the November 5 trade deadline nears.

Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst - Cleveland Browns

As the 49ers' interior has continually battled injuries, San Francisco should have been keeping a close eye on the struggles of the Cleveland Browns, who possess a trio of players at that spot who could help the Niners significantly. 

Tomlinson would be an ideal fix for San Francisco's run defense issues. He is renowned for his talents in that area of the game and has two years left to run on his deal after this season with no guaranteed money left on his contract. Though he is now in his 30s, Tomlinson would be an astute addition by the 49ers.

Harris is 33 but would be a similarly fortifying presence against the run. Only Myles Garrett (15) has more stops that represented a failure for the opposing offense than Harris (10) among Cleveland's defensive linemen, per Pro Football Focus.

The former Denver Bronco has no guaranteed money left on his deal next year and could be a smart short-term investment with a base salary of just $1.25 million in 2025. San Francisco, though, might be more motivated to bring about a reunion and attempt to deal for former 49er Maurice Hurst.

Hurst has consistently struggled with injuries, which derailed his hopes of making the kind of impact the 49ers hoped when they signed him in 2021. He was limited to just two games for the 49ers and has been restricted to only three for Cleveland this year, but Hurst's appeal is in the extra pass-rush upside he would offer compared to Harris and Tomlinson. 

A free agent at the end of the season, Hurst would likely not cost much as a rental who is familiar with the defense.

Davon Godchaux - New England Patriots

Writing in The Athletic, Mike Silver reported that the 49ers are eyeing the roster of the 1-6 Patriots and specifically mentioned run-stuffing force Godchaux as a likely target for San Francisco.

Godchaux is second among all interior defensive lineman with 19 stops representing a failure for the offense and, though he signed a two-year extension with New England in July, he would surely relish the chance to play for a contender in his eighth season in the league. Godchaux has only played in one playoff game in his career.

A deal would be a little more costly as his base salary of $4 million next year is guaranteed, while Godchaux also has a $6.5 million salary in 2026. However, the former Miami Dolphin is perhaps the best solution on the trade market to one of the Niners' most substantial problems. As such, parting with a decent draft pick and committing to paying guaranteed money next year may be worth it given the potential impact he could make.

Adam Butler - Las Vegas Raiders

The 49ers this week signed a former Raider to their practice squad, bringing in defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera. San Francisco has had some success with defensive linemen who did not pan out with the Raiders, with Arden Key and Clelin Ferrell before producing for the 49ers.

Butler, though, is different in that he has impressed in his time with the Raiders. While far from a household name, Butler has a solid track record of delivering production as an interior pass rusher. He had six sacks with the Patriots in 2019 and five last year for Las Vegas.

He has yet to add to that tally this season but is sixth among all interior defensive linemen in stops resulting in an offensive failure, registering 15, and Butler's 300-pound frame would also provide the 49ers with some additional heft against the run.

On an expiring contract, the 30-year-old is unlikely to command a huge price in a trade, but he has the experience and the history of production to be a valuable asset in the interior defensive line rotation.