NFL insider Jordan Schultz appeared on a podcast and discussed two potential teams that could be aggressive at the trade deadline.
Schultz went as far as saying he’d be “shocked” if the San Francisco 49ers didn’t make a trade:
“I think we’re headed for a very active deadline,” Schultz said. “I think we can see anywhere from 12 to 20 trades—and two teams I’m watching very closely: The 49ers and the Bears. I’ve heard both teams connected to several defensive players, including rushers Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack, and DeForest Buckner, along with some names who aren’t necessarily on the trade block. I think both Chicago and San Francisco wanna be aggressive. I’d be shocked if they don’t make a move before the deadline.”
The 49ers and Bears, with Caleb Williams under center, are two of the NFC’s top offenses. It makes sense why they’d want to add a pass rusher.
In the Niners’ case, they’re 24th in the NFL in pressure rate. One thing the Falcons did well against Kyle Shanahan’s offense was to get pressure with four rushers. It’s something every team strives to do.
There’s little reason to think Arizona would help a divisional foe by trading them an asset like Sweat.
Mack is in the final year of his contract. The 35-year-old has three sacks, six tackles for loss, and 14 pressures on the season. In Week 4 against the Seahawks, Mack had two tackles for loss, three pressures, and a sack. John Lynch probably made the call to the Chargers after he watched Mack in Week 4.
Would it surprise you if the 49ers made multiple trades? Is there a world where they make a move for Mack and Buckner?