With major trades happening across the NFC and the San Francisco 49ers looking to build on their 6-1 start, general manager John Lynch may not be done making moves.
The 49ers reunited with DeForest Buckner this week, sending the Indianapolis Colts a 2027 fourth-round draft pick for the veteran defensive tackle. San Francisco could still look to address other needs before the NFL trade deadline, particularly at wide receiver, where injuries have depleted the team's depth.
ESPN's Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently ranked the top 25 trade candidates and identified three wide receivers who could fit the 49ers. One name should be particularly familiar to San Francisco fans: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
Jennings left the 49ers for Minnesota during the offseason, but his time with the Vikings hasn't gone as planned. He has just four receptions for 43 yards this season, raising questions about whether the team might consider moving on from its offseason addition.
In San Francisco, Jennings was a valuable part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, offering physicality and dependability, particularly on third downs. A reunion could give the 49ers a familiar option without requiring a significant investment.
"The Vikings' free agent addition is not a focal point of the offense and is considered a trade candidate league-wide," Fowler wrote. "But he did catch two passes for 34 yards Sunday against the Colts for a Minnesota passing game that's not exactly thriving right now.
"Jennings, who's on a one-year deal, could prove a low-cost option for teams looking to add to their receiver room. The 49ers are an obvious fit."
Another potential target is Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has repeatedly surfaced in speculation about possible trade targets for San Francisco.
However, the 49ers could face competition if they pursue Thomas.
"And teams are circling with interest," Fowler wrote. "Kansas City and Pittsburgh are among those exploring receiver help."
ESPN also identified Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston as a potential fit for San Francisco. The Chargers' 0-6 start could make them more willing to consider roster changes, potentially opening the door for a deal.
49ers also linked to NFC West pass rusher
Bowen and Fowler identified just one edge rusher as a potential fit for the 49ers, and it's an intriguing name from within the NFC West: Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals.
Adding Sweat would give San Francisco another experienced pass rusher as it looks to strengthen its defensive front. Although he has recorded just two sacks through seven games this season, Sweat has posted double-digit sacks twice in his career, including a 12-sack campaign last season.
However, acquiring him could be complicated.
"Rumblings persist that Sweat would want a new contract -- he's in the second year of a four-year, $76 million deal -- and that could complicate things," Fowler wrote. "But many teams are looking for an edge rusher."
With three wide receivers and an NFC West pass rusher identified as potential fits, the 49ers have several options to consider as Lynch weighs whether to make another move.
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