Things are looking outstanding for the San Francisco 49ers these days. They’re one of just two undefeated teams left in the NFL, and many believe they’re the best overall team in all of football.
They could be the most complete team anyone has seen in quite some time, as they have multiple Pro Bowlers on both sides of the football, as well as arguably the greatest left tackle of all time in Trent Williams.
But the 49ers measure success in terms of Super Bowl championships, which means they haven’t been successful since the 1994 season. Despite being stocked with talent over the past four seasons and reaching the NFC Championship Game three times and the Super Bowl once in that span, they have ended each of those seasons empty-handed.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: San Francisco 49ers Updates
Perhaps they may need one more complementary piece in order to win the world championship this winter, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano feels they will be opportunistic ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline.
“The Niners have the biggest of goals for this season, and they were aggressive last year when running back Christian McCaffrey became available,” Graziano wrote. “Remember the [Los Angeles] Rams adding Von Miller at the deadline a couple of years ago? If an opportunity for an impact guy like that comes along — at the right cost — don’t sleep on the idea of the rich getting richer in San Francisco.”
The team already made a minor move recently by acquiring pass rusher Randy Gregory from the Denver Broncos. He likely won’t have a big impact, but he will give head coach Kyle Shanahan another option as far as pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: San Francisco 49ers Updates
Right now, the biggest needs for San Francisco seem to be an upgrade on the right side of the offensive line and in the secondary. It can be vulnerable when attacked via long passes downfield, and its cornerbacks, while often adequate, aren’t exactly world-beaters.
There could be some interesting sellers as the trade deadline approaches, including the Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. Executive John Lynch has done a remarkable job of building the Niners’ roster since taking over in 2017 after they had gone 2-14, which tied their worst record ever, the year before, and one must expect him to do whatever it takes to put them over the top.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: San Francisco 49ers Updates
It’s important to strike while the iron is hot, and right now, the iron is as hot as it’s been for the 49ers since the heyday of Steve Young and Jerry Rice.
