After falling short in Super Bowl 58, the San Francisco 49ers entered this season with hopes to return to the big game. Yet a plethora of injuries have derailed the 49ers, as they are currently 4-4 with the NFL trade deadline approaching.
Following a much-needed bye week, San Francisco was able to reevaluate the current state of its roster. The 49ers could opt to add a Pro Bowl wide receiver at the trade deadline to help turn things around in the second half of the regular season.
49ers Could Revitalize Offense by Landing Pro Bowl Wide Receiver
Trade Proposal
- 49ers acquire: WR Courtland Sutton
- Panthers acquire: WR Ronnie Bell and a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick
While superstar running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play for the 49ers this season, San Francisco has dealt with even more injuries at wide receiver; 49ers rising star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
San Francisco’s remaining top three wide receivers have all missed games this season as well — Deebo Samuel Sr., Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall have all missed at least one game in 2024. Therefore, 49ers general manager John Lynch could make a big splash to address the position at this year’s trade deadline.
Although the Denver Broncos are currently 5-4, they were exposed by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. Therefore, the Broncos could become sellers at this year’s trade deadline.
Denver already traded promising edge rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals. Now the Broncos’ next move could be parting with Pro Bowl wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
In this proposed trade, San Francisco sends second-year wide receiver Ronnie Bell and a conditional 2025 fifth-round pick to Denver for Sutton. If the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game and Sutton surpasses 1,000 receiving yards, the Broncos will receive a 2025 fourth-round pick from San Francisco.
Sutton is a player who has been involved in trade rumors for several years in a row, and 2024 is no different. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Sutton is a wide receiver to “keep in mind” at the trade deadline.
Just over 24 hours until the #NFL Trade Deadline — who should we be looking out for that could be on the move? pic.twitter.com/q0GWW3o0Qw
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) November 4, 2024
Sutton is off to a strong start this season, despite the inconsistent play of Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton has hauled in 36 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility by throwing a touchdown to Nix in Week 9 as well.
At 29 years old, Sutton would likely embrace a move from a fringe playoff team to one of the top contenders in the NFC. Although the 49ers are currently 4-4, many expect them to make a significant playoff push in the second half of the regular season as the team continues to get healthier.
According to multiple reports, San Francisco expects McCaffrey to make his regular-season debut in Week 10. After missing two consecutive games ahead of the bye week, Jennings is also expected to return for the 49ers as well.
If the 49ers can get all of their key playmakers back in Week 10, the potential addition of Sutton would take San Francisco’s offense to another level. Following a rocky start to the regular season, the 49ers would be in great shape after trading for Sutton.
