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As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the San Francisco 49ers will likely evaluate their roster depth to determine which areas need to be strengthened in the second half of the season. With wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the season, many expect the team could pursue reinforcements at the position.
However, one NFL analyst suggests the 49ers should focus on another area. Brian Baldinger believes the team should bolster its defensive line, an area that has been a priority since head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch began shaping the roster.
“I’m going to go with a defensive line,” Brian Baldinger said Tuesday morning to Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game.
He cited former 49ers fullback Arden Key as an example of a valuable rotation player who made an impact without being a household name.
“I’m going to comb the teams now,” Baldinger said. “They’re not giving up on these guys. They cost some guarantees and some capital. But I’m looking to add depth to the defensive line now.”
Injuries have taken their toll on the 49ers’ defensive line. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is out for the season with a partially torn triceps muscle, although there is hope he can return for a deep playoff run. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos could be back soon from a knee injury.
Offseason acquisition Leonard Floyd has yet to meet expectations, with just three sacks and a low pass grade of 56.1 from Pro Football Focus.
Speaking about the upcoming trade deadline, Lynch recently explained that the 49ers expect to benefit from the return of injured players like Gross-Matos.
“When I look at our trade deadline, I look at our investor relations list, and I say, [RB Christian] McCaffrey, [LB Dre] Greenlaw, Gros Matos, [S Talanoa] “Hofanga, if we can get these guys back, I think that’s the support we need as much as anyone else that we’re going to bring in from the outside,” Lynch explained.
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5, giving the 49ers limited time to evaluate their options to bolster the roster for the rest of the season.
You can listen to Baldy’s entire interview below.
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