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The San Francisco 49ers could be active buyers ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10, with NFL insider Jordan Schultz connecting them to several defensive players who could be available.
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Schultz said he expects an unusually busy trade market and identified San Francisco and the Chicago Bears as two teams to watch.
“I’ve heard both teams connected to several defensive players, including rushers, Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack, also DeForest Buckner, along with some names who aren’t necessarily on the trade block,” Schultz said. “I think both Chicago and San Francisco, Ryan, they want to be aggressive, and I’d be shocked if they don’t make a move before the deadline.”
Schultz did not report that the 49ers are pursuing any of those players specifically, but the names offer a glimpse at the type of defensive help San Francisco could explore.
The 49ers need the defensive line after losing rookie Alfred Collins to a season-ending torn patellar tendon before Week 1 and with Nick Bosa continuing to recover from an in-season calf injury. Osa Odighizuwa is the team’s most established interior defensive lineman, leaving San Francisco with limited depth behind him despite the emergence of rookies Romello Height on the edge and Gracen Halton in the middle.
All of that has fueled speculation about a potential reunion with DeForest Buckner, whom the 49ers traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. Buckner would bring veteran experience and help shore up the interior, although he has dealt with injuries this season.
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Khalil Mack is another intriguing possibility. The veteran edge rusher has three sacks for the Los Angeles Chargers this season and could provide a boost to San Francisco’s pass rush. Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat was also among the names Schultz mentioned, though a trade within the NFC West would present an additional hurdle.
The 49ers have recorded 11 sacks through five games, showing improvement from last season’s league-low 20. However, injuries have tested their defensive front.
With the trade deadline approaching, Schultz’s comments add to the speculation surrounding San Francisco’s potential efforts to strengthen its defense for the second half of the season.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers rumored to be trade buyers by NFL insider
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Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 27, 2026 at 4:43 AM.