San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch has indicated that the team's performance early in the season could influence decisions regarding potential blockbuster trades ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline. While not issuing a direct mandate to the players, Lynch suggested that reaching a strong position could prompt the front office to explore adding talent if the right opportunity arises.
"That’s not like a charge to a team, ‘Hey, you want us to keep adding? Go earn it,’" Lynch told The San Francisco Standard. "But that’s just the reality of this league. Put yourself in position, then if it fits and the deal’s right, then yeah."
The 49ers have a history of making significant mid-season acquisitions. In 2022, the team traded four draft picks to acquire Christian McCaffrey, who became a pivotal player for San Francisco. The team also acquired Emmanuel Sanders at the 2019 deadline, a move that coincided with a Super Bowl appearance.
"I think our history shows we’re not averse to that," Lynch said. "But I do believe you have to put yourself in position to even have those conversations."
While it is early to identify potential trade targets, some prominent players have been mentioned as early possibilities. ESPN's Dan Graziano noted Raiders star Maxx Crosby and Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts as potential candidates in June. However, player situations can change rapidly. For instance, Pitts, who was reportedly considered available for trade before the NFL Draft, has since signed a three-year, $54 million extension with the Falcons, making a midseason move less probable.
If the Falcons were to struggle significantly and shift their strategy, Pitts could still present an intriguing option for San Francisco, offering a complementary receiving threat to George Kittle. The 25-year-old recorded 88 receptions for 928 yards last season. The combination of Pitts and Kittle would provide the 49ers' offense with potent multiple-tight-end formation capabilities.
Maxx Crosby represents a different caliber of potential acquisition. The Las Vegas Raiders had reportedly agreed to trade Crosby to Baltimore in March for two first-round picks, but the deal fell through due to medical concerns following knee surgery. Crosby acknowledged his frustration with the failed transaction but recommitted to the Raiders. This incident indicated that the Raiders would consider trading their pass rusher at a substantial price.
While there is no current indication that the Raiders plan to trade Crosby again, a poor start to the season could lead San Francisco to explore acquiring an elite edge rusher to bolster its defense. A partnership with Nick Bosa would align with Lynch's past aggressive, win-now strategies.
The 49ers have until Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. PT to make decisions before the trade deadline. The availability of players and the potential trade landscape may differ significantly from current projections.
