The San Francisco 49ers stayed quiet at the NFL trade deadline, disappointing fans who had hoped for a bold move.
Despite a roster battered by injuries, the team chose not to make any major additions. All-Pro defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are out for the remainder of the 2025 season, dealing a crushing blow to the defense. On offense, quarterback Brock Purdy continues to battle a lingering turf toe injury, while the receiving corps has also been hit hard by health issues.
But at 6-3, the 49ers remain in the playoff hunt in a tough division, with both the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams sitting at 6-2. While some fans were frustrated by the team’s inaction, there’s logic behind the decision. General manager John Lynch explained that the trade market’s asking prices were simply too steep. Other teams, like the Dallas Cowboys—who sent first- and second-round picks to the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams—were willing to pay the premium.
George Kittle Says the Niners Offense Can Still Put up 40 Points
The Niners did get a boost, however, with the return of star tight end George Kittle, who backed Lynch’s decision to stay the course at the deadline.
“Honestly, I haven’t heard a single thing about it in the locker room,” Kittle told NBC Sports Bay Area. “I don’t think guys were really expecting us to do anything. … People are expecting you to play fantasy football out here, or you’re like playing Madden. One trade could completely handicap you for the next several years. Unless it was a perfect thing then like why would you do it?”
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 02: Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown with teammate George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers against the New York Giants during the second quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on November 02, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kittle added that he supported mid-season trade in 2022 that resulted in the Niners acquiring star running back Christian McCaffrey. “I was pretty excited about that one,” he said.
“Unless it was a perfect trade where we’re not giving up too much to get someone, then you know, don’t to it. I’m okay with that. Me personally, it doesn’t feel like we’re giving up on the season. We’re 6-3. We have a bunch of reinforcements coming back on offense soon. We’re 6-3 without Brock Purdy basically playing the entire season. I think people forget how good he is because Mac Jones is playing so well. People forget why we paid him money. Ricky Pearsall is coming back. Hopefully at some point Brandon Aiyuk is coming back. I still think we have an offense that can score 30 to 40 points a game. If you have an offense that can score that much, you’re gonna win a lot of football games.”
San Francisco Did Make a Trade Last Week
The 49ers did make a trade last week for defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots for two late-round draft picks.
White has been a productive player in his two and a half NFL seasons, posting his best campaign in 2024 when he started 13 games for the Patriots and registered five sacks. He also had 56 tackles, 16 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles.
The 49ers host the Rams on Sunday.
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