Given that General Manager John Lynch made a suggestion that the San Francisco 49ers might make a “splash” deal before October 31st, it is anticipated that the team will make a trade before the end of the month.
Lynch said on KNBR’s Murph and Mac Show, “We’re certainly not afraid to make a splash if needed and if we think it can improve us.” That isn’t only a canned response. The trade deadline is on Halloween, which is, I believe, immediately following our game against Cincinnati. That’s a long period in terms of these things, so we’ll keep an eye on things, keep in touch, and see if we can help this squad. (h/t Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area).
Since the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffery in a significant trade with the Carolina Panthers around this time last year, he has emerged as the league’s top running back.
This season, who should the 49ers seek in a trade deadline deal? One choice is more notable than the others.
The 49ers ought to get Broncos cornerback Pat Sutherland II
There aren’t many areas of weakness for the 49ers to fix. They have McCaffery as running back, two excellent receivers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, one of the finest tight ends in the league in George Kittle, and a reliable quarterback in Brock Purdy. The offensive line, led by Trent Williams, has performed admirably. Nick Bosa delivers the heat off the edge, and the defensive interior has been among the best in the league. The 49ers have safeties that can play up in the box and cover against the finest linebacker in the league, Fred Warner.
The 49ers’ sole true vulnerability, which was revealed in a second straight loss to San Francisco against the Minnesota Vikings, is the need for another shutdown corner. Out of 115 qualified players, Charvarius Ward is presently ranked as PFF’s 17th overall cornerback due to his excellent play over the past two seasons. It’s not about him. Since Deommodore Lenoire (51st) and Isaiah Oliver (60th) are the only truly exploitable places on this pass defense, teams are largely successful in exploiting them.
It’s not like the 49ers need to improve; they are sixth in defensive DVOA and third in the league in points allowed. This team has the talent to win the Super Bowl without making a big move. But it’s smart to act now if you can plunder a gifted young player from a team that is about to rebuild. Patrick Surtain, a shutdown corner who would be ideal next to Ward, was an All-Pro in just his second season of football.
Donte Jackson, Danny Gray, and Elijah Mitchell are surrounded by explosions in the backdrop.
The 49ers should trade for Broncos CB Pat Surtain II
Surtain would have a huge impact on San Francisco’s defense by increasing coverage sacks and assisting the 49ers in handling opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles, who have many outstanding wide receivers. By acquiring Kevin Byard, the Eagles strengthened their secondary, and the 49ers need to view this as an invitation to engage in an arms race for supremacy in the NFC.
The 49ers have no other true pressing needs, so it makes sense for them to sign a star cornerback like Surtain, who can play in San Francisco for many years to come because Brock Purdy isn’t making any money yet. The 49ers are now in their title window, as well as their window to swap picks in order to acquire key talent through a trade.
