The San Francisco 49ers looked like the best team in the NFL over the first five weeks of the season, winning their first five games in dominant fashion. However, the 49ers have since lost their last two contests and suddenly look vulnerable.
Of course, it’s fair to note that San Francisco has had some key injuries, but so have plenty of other clubs in the league.
The Niners could stand to improve their roster, and they have until the Oct. 31 trade deadline to do so.
Here are three targets for the 49ers to pursue before the end of the month.
Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders
San Francisco has a pair of impressive wide receivers in Deebo Samuel (who is currently injured) and Brandon Aiyuk, but it has very limited depth behind that duo.
That was on full display in the team’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week when Samuel was sidelined.
Hunter Renfrow would represent a terrific pickup for the Niners. He has been a forgotten man in the Raiders’ offense, logging just eight catches through the first seven weeks. However, just two years ago, Renfrow hauled in 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, and it seems hard to believe that suddenly can’t play.
Renfrow would likely be a cheap acquisition for the 49ers, but he could end up being a critical piece for Brock Purdy, who could absolutely use another reliable target.
A receiving trio of Samuel, Aiyuk and Renfrow (not to mention Jauan Jennings also being in the mix) sounds pretty solid.
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
While the 49ers’ defense has been terrific this season, it actually hasn’t done a great job of getting to the quarterback.
Through seven games, San Francisco has totaled 15 sacks, which is very average. The club’s leading sack-getter right now is Javon Hargrave, who has logged three of them. Even Nick Bosa is struggling with just 2.5 sacks on the year.
Why not go for broke and try and swing a deal for Brian Burns?
The Panthers are 0-6 heading into Week 8, so Burns is absolutely a trade candidate. Carolina was unable to reach a long-term agreement with him before the season, and it doesn’t look like the team will be re-signing him in the spring.
For that reason, the Panthers may ship Burns elsewhere to try and recoup a massive haul for the star pass rusher, and the 49ers could represent a perfect destination for him. A duo of Bosa and Burns sounds absolutely terrifying.
Remember: last year, San Francisco struck a deadline deal with Carolina to snare Christian McCaffrey. Could we see something similar between the two organizations in 2023?
Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears
The Niners could actually use a cornerback, and Jaylon Johnson could be there for the taking if the 49ers are willing to pay the right price.
The Bears seem reluctant to sell off pieces at the deadline this season after making a couple of big moves at the deadline a year ago, but I find it hard to fathom that Chicago wouldn’t move Johnson—an impending free agent—if it gets the right return.
Again, San Francisco general manager John Lynch has shown a penchant for being aggressive in trades before, so I see no reason why he wouldn’t operate in the same fashion this time around.
Unless the Denver Broncos do something crazy and put Patrick Surtain II up for trade, Johnson will probably be the best cornerback who is potentially available before the end of the month, and the Niners should absolutely inquire about his services if the Bears do field offers for him.
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