Ideal trade-deadline targets for 49ers

Ideal trade-deadline targets for the 49ers

With all the injuries they have suffered this year, specifically to their wide receiver group, the 49ers should focus on adding an experienced wide receiver who could help them win now. 

General manager John Lynch has been aggressive when the team has been in similar situations at the deadline, utilizing high draft capital with deals for players like Emmanuel Sanders, Chase Young and Christian McCaffrey. 

The ideal trade targets at wide receiver are Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Stefon Diggs from Washington. Thomas or Diggs' value might be less than anticipated due to their team's situation and where they are in their career. Both are veterans who know what it takes to perform at a high level, and the value would not be more than a third-round pick.

If the front office were willing to move high draft capital like a first- or second-round pick and make a splashy move, it should keep a keen eye on the situation with the Philadelphia Eagles and wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

With the team using high draft picks on wide receivers the last couple of drafts, using future draft capital on a veteran receiver like Smith, who knows how to win at the highest level, would be a perfect fit for what the 49ers need now and in the future.

The team should also be looking to add to the defensive line group, specifically a defensive end. Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers would be an ideal fit for the group.

Mack would give the team a veteran pass-rusher off the edge, opposite Nick Bosa, that it has been searching for since Dee Ford. Due to his expiring contract and the Chargers being winless, Mack’s value wouldn't be high with the Chargers looking to get something for an expiring contract.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan commented during a recent news conference that he wouldn’t be happy until they win the last game of the season, referring to the Super Bowl. 

Shanahan sent a message to the team that the time is now, and this is the best chance to compete to hoist the Lombardi. If the expectations of competing for a Super Bowl haven’t changed for the 49ers, then it’s time to go all-in at the trade deadline for this season.