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We discussed earlier on Wednesday morning whether the San Francisco 49ers would be buyers at the trade deadline. ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler put together a list of the top 25 players who may be available at the deadline, and their best fit. The Niners were listed among the best fits for an overwhelming number of players.
They also predicted the chance of said player getting traded. For example, Trey Hendrickson was listed as a fit for the 49ers, with a 20 percent chance of being traded. The Bengals released a report last week stating they have no plans to trade Hendrickson, which is likely why that number is so low.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the players the Niners were linked to, starting with two positions that may surprise many:
Mark Andrews – TE – Baltimore Ravens
The buzz: The three-time Pro Bowler is a tried-and-true Raven, and Baltimore is still holding out faith that it can make a playoff run despite the 1-5 start. But shipping pass rusher Odafe Oweh to the Chargers surprised many around the league, and the franchise seems open to at least evaluating the future of key veterans. Andrews is making $11 million in the final year of his deal, and tight end Isaiah Likely is also set to hit free agency, probably forcing the Ravens to make some sort of action at the position eventually. — Fowler
The tape: Andrews’ play speed has declined, but he can still operate underneath, using his coverage awareness to make himself available to the QB. Plus, Andrews can be schemed on seams and wheel routes. Andrews has 21 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns this season. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 20%
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys
Andrews turned 30 in September. Getting another weapon at tight end might be enticing, although paying around $6 million for a rental might not be something the Niners want to do. Andrews would be an ideal fit in an offense that has trended toward more of the dink-and-dunk variety under Mac Jones. Nearly half of his receptions have resulted in first downs.
Moving on:
Chris Olave – WR – Saints
The buzz: Rival teams caution that the Saints typically aren’t dealing away players — that’s not GM Mickey Loomis’ style — but New Orleans’ 1-6 record could present opportunities to acquire future assets for a team clearly in a rebuilding phase. Olave has moved past the concussion issues, and he had two big-play touchdowns in Week 7. He’s making a case for a contract extension with New Orleans. And first-year coach Kellen Moore has an offensive background and needs all playmakers at his disposal. (If Olave stays put, Rashid Shaheed is another Saints player who could emerge as a target for receiver-needy teams.) — Fowler
The tape: Olave is a vertical glider with the route traits to win on in-breakers and unders. He has caught 44 passes for 440 yards and three touchdowns this season, and he has 13 career TDs. The availability concerns on Olave have to be discussed, but when healthy, he provides three-level production in the route tree. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 20%
Team fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants
Kyle Shanahan made it clear that he doesn’t want to make a trade that handicaps the team in 2026 and beyond. Olave is under contract through 2026. His cap number for the remainder of this season is under $3 million. Next season, Olave will cost $15 million. That would give the 49ers three first-rounders with Aiyuk and Pearsall. It’d also make them easily the most dangerous offense in the NFL, not unlike 2023.
Olave is a stud. It’s just about him getting to an offense where he can fully showcase his talents. That offense is San Francisco. But the 49ers would also be pinching pennies or would have to move money around to make sure he fits under the cap next season.
However, an Olave trade, at least to me, makes as much or more sense than an edge rusher. Your strength is the offense. Build on your strength, or whatever you believe is your best unit. That is the unit that’ll be the one to propel you in the playoffs.
Onto defensive players:
Jaelan Phillips – Edge rusher – Dolphins
The buzz: Phillips and teammate Bradley Chubb have circulated in trade rumors. Multiple teams I spoke with believe that Phillips would hold more value than Chubb due to upside. A string of injuries stalled his rising star status, but he’s working his way back. But there’s this: Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said last week that any Dolphins trade rumors are “baseless, currently.” — Fowler
The tape: Injuries have reduced Phillips’ explosiveness and range. But he has the physical tools that teams look for on the edge. With his long 6-foot-5 frame, Phillips can play as both an edge setter and pocket disruptor. He has 25 sacks and 117 pressures over his five-year career. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 30%
Team fits: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions
Phillips was on our initial list of pass rushers the 49ers should acquire. His athleticism and effort fit Robert Saleh’s style. He’s also getting better as the season goes along. Phillips’ pressure rate has increased in each of the previous three games. He’s also had 13 pressures during that span. He’s my pick.
How about a linebacker?
Logan Wilson – LB – Bengals
The buzz: The Bengals are going younger at linebacker, relegating Wilson to a reserve role in favor of rookie Barrett Carter despite Wilson’s status as a team captain. Teams I’ve talked to believe the Bengals are open to dealing Wilson, whose base salary is $5.4 million this season. Next year, Wilson has a base of $6 million. — Fowler
The tape: Wilson is a three-down defender with the coverage instincts and range to impact the pass defense. He has 11 interceptions and 11 pass breakups over his career, plus he has averaged seven tackles per game during his five-plus seasons. Wilson would be an upgrade for multiple teams in the middle of the defense. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 60%
Team fits: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts
The 49ers signed players from the Jaguars, Giants, and Titans this offseason. Those have not worked. Bringing in a defensive player from the Bengals, not named Hendrickson, feels like it would have a similar outcome.
Christian Harris – LB – Texans
The buzz: Harris is a once-productive starter relegated to a reserve role in Houston’s defense, due in part to injuries. But he is healthy now and still 24 years old. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is a disciple of the 49ers coaching staff, and San Francisco might need linebacker help after Fred Warner‘s season-ending injury. And Texans general manager Nick Caserio is among the most aggressive dealmakers in the league. — Fowler
The tape: A long run-and-hit defender at the second level, Harris can play downhill as a stack ‘backer and pursue the football quickly on the edges. However, hip tightness and limited coverage awareness show on the tape, which could make Harris a better fit as an early-down/base-package defender. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 30%
Team fits: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers
I wouldn’t anticipate a Saleh defense trading for a linebacker who can’t cover or isn’t agile. Plus, in two games, Tatum Bethune has given this team zero indication that he can’t fill in for Warner. Plus, San Francisco used a third-round pick on a linebacker.
Arden Key, anybody?
The buzz: The Titans are open to trading players who are in the last year of a contract and are not in the franchise’s long-term plans. Key fits that mold. And if pass-rush-hunting teams strike out on big names, Key is a serviceable alternative. The Titans just lost rookie pass rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo for significant time due to a fractured leg, so they might need to keep Key to offset attrition. — Fowler
The tape: With his length at 6-foot-5 and short-area closing speed, Key can be set up on the edge or schemed out of loaded fronts. In five games played this season, Key has 1.5 sacks — and he had a total of 12.5 over his previous two seasons with Tennessee. Key could be viewed as a situational pass rusher for a contending team. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 40%
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys
Key disappears for long stretches of games. He’s also currently hurt. I feel like the 49ers squeezed every ounce they could out of Key when he was on the roster, and we’ve seen his peak. I’ve caught a couple of Titans games this year, and he does not seem like a viable pass-rushing option.
Kingsley Enagbare – Edge rusher – Packers
The buzz: Enagbare started in 2024 but felt the squeeze of the Micah Parsons trade, getting relegated to a reserve role. While Green Bay typically likes to keep its draft-and-develop talent, Enagbare probably would welcome the chance to play more elsewhere in a contract year. — Fowler
The tape: Enagbare lacks high-end play speed, but he has a quick first step off the ball and can win with power at the point of attack. He has seen his snap count reduced in Green Bay, but he could be viewed as a rotational edge defender. Enagbare had 4.5 sacks last season. — Bowen
Predicted chance of getting traded: 25%
Team fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers
A rotational player is what the Niners need. Somebody who can play and win on early downs to keep Bryce Huff fresh for passing downs. It’d also take pressure off Sam O, who has been tasked with filling Nick Bosa’s job.
That leads us to our weekly question: Have the 49ers done enough to warrant a trade at the deadline?
About the Author: Insidethe49
