5 immediate trades the San Francisco 49ers should make before the deadline to fix the roster and boost Super Bowl chances

The San Francisco 49ers enter the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline nursing a roster shredded by injuries. The likes of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams have been lost for the season, while other key contributors like Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk have been unavailable or dinged up.

Nonetheless, the 49ers have been able to navigate the early stages of the season, boasting a 6-3 record. However, having a strong depth in each is more than necessary to survive and finish the season on a strong note, and getting some trade deals looks important at this stage.

Here's a look at five trade deals the 49ers have to seal to fix their roster and make them a Super Bowl contender once again after missing the playoffs in 2024.

Five trade deals to fix the San Francisco 49ers roster

#1, Trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson

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After rookie Mykel Williams tore his ACL against the New York Giants on Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers' edge depth took another massive hit. Without a doubt, the team needs a proven, versatile veteran who can rush both from the line and standing spots without demanding heavy schematic changes.

Trey Hendrickson, who's known to be a production machine, is widely reported as one of the trade deadline commodities, and the 49ers can take advantage. He is comfortable in a rush-from-the-edge role in sub-packages but can also set the edge against the run, which is exactly the hybrid piece the 49ers need

Aside from offering the 49ers instant pressure on clear downs, acquiring Hendrickson won't upset the team's personnel grouping. He can pair well with Nick Bosa when he returns, while keeping the nose tackle rotation intact.

#2, Acquire Miami Dolphins’ Minkah Fitzpatrick

After trading Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins are also open to moving Minkah Fitzpatrick, as they embark on a huge roster shakeup. He represents a rare chance to add an elite center-field safety who can instantly improve communication and limit big plays on the San Francisco 49ers' defense.

With injuries on all three levels of the team's defense, adding a versatile safety would offer the pursuit of bolder pass-rush options, while concealing rotation problems at linebacker and cornerback. His experience can help the 49ers address a host of problems in the defense.

#3. Bring in a short-term wide receiver

With Brandon Aiyuk yet to make an appearance this season and Jacob Cowing placed on injured reserve, the San Francisco 49ers' wide depth has gone thin. The team undoubtedly needs an experienced wide receiver who can execute Kyle Shanahan's timing concept with his impressive route-running skills.

While the 49ers have the option of turning to the practice squad to make a quick fix in the absence of top stars, gambling on unproven talent could be costly for the team, especially if the injuries eat deeper. Getting a reliable veteran who can learn the system in no time appears to be the best option.

#4, Add an interior defensive lineman

With a number of defensive linemen the San Francisco 49ers 49ers have lost this season, adding a stout interior disruptor would strengthen run defense and create easier matchups for outside rushers. This will be a low-cost, high-impact veteran who can bring a notable presence to the interior.

A short-term rotation piece can eat snaps and let younger pass-rushers be used more aggressively on third down. The 49ers have already made some moves on the D-line this season, but the injury to Williams magnifies the need for interior depth.

#5, Get a veteran off-ball linebacker with leadership insurance

There are conflicting reports about Fred Warner's availability this year. Without a doubt, even a short absence or limited snaps from a team’s defensive leader forces schematic simplification. The San Francisco 49ers have to avoid paying for this later in the season should Warner fail to return to action this season.

The 49ers need to add a veteran off-ball linebacker who can call the defense, make sideline adjustments, and play in zone and man coverage on tight ends and chip routes. That limits late-game breakdowns and helps mask defensive back rotation issues.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf