Between the Brandon Aiyuki extension and offensive line additions, the 49ers don’t need buyers at the trade deadline
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As the trade deadline approaches at the end of October, the San Francisco 49ers have a decision to make. Without a doubt, the Niners are a Super Bowl contender. There are not many slots in the list. Of course, the team could improve along the interior offensive line, but cohesion is the most important thing at this position. The trio of Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel and Spencer Burford have been playing together for a year and a half. At right tackle, Colton McKivitz has had his “moments,” but as long as he doesn’t turn over, the offense will continue to move the ball.
Other popular suggestions call for the 49ers to add an edge opposite Nick Bosa to put one last infinity on the defensive line or invest in a cornerback.
Not a bad idea either. Bosa is the ultimate tight end, while Browns receiver Amari Cooper has shown what a WR1 can do with the Niners’ secondary. But just because it’s a good idea doesn’t make it the right idea.
PFF examined some of the top prospects to determine if they should buy, sell or keep. They think the 49ers should be applauded:
San Francisco has a major decision to make this offseason with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuki and needs to add talent to its offensive line with Trent Williams, who turns 36 in 2024. So the high season doesn’t make much sense. This is arguably the best roster in the NFL from top to bottom, so a deal like getting Christian McCaffrey at last year’s deadline might not be in the cards.
The 49ers have about $39.9 million in excess cap space. They could extend Aiyuki in the offseason and still have enough cap space to trade and sign a player of Brian Burns’ caliber.
There are more realistic options than Burns and Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain. Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson makes sense to either add a depth player to the offensive line. I wondered for a few days if a team like the Chiefs would trade for Kendrick Bourne. Why couldn’t he help the Niners?
In any case, depth options are more useful than swing fences. As it stands, the roster is strong enough to win a championship. But Burns sure is attractive.
