IT’S TIME TO TALK TRADES FOR THE 49ERS: A LOOK AHEAD TO THE 2026 NFL OFFSEASON

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 24, 2026: The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway, bringing together the top draft prospects for a week of interviews, workouts, and testing in front of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. However, the Combine is not just about evaluating future talent; it’s also a crucial time for trade talks and roster building for teams that are already thinking ahead to the upcoming season.

For the San Francisco 49ers, this week represents a pivotal point in their offseason strategy, as general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan look to strengthen their roster. It’s no secret that the 49ers are in a competitive window, and with the 2026 NFL season on the horizon, the front office is actively exploring ways to make moves—whether through the draft, free agency, or trade.

Last year, just before the Combine, the 49ers made a notable move, agreeing to trade Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick, surprising many in the league. With San Francisco once again looking to bolster their roster, the question on everyone’s mind is: could they make another trade this offseason?

The Combine as a Hub for Trade Talks

As Lynch himself pointed out, the NFL Scouting Combine serves as one of the few times in the calendar year when general managers and coaches from across the league are in close proximity to each other, making it the perfect opportunity to discuss trades and other business moves. In fact, Lynch confirmed that many trade discussions start during this week.

“Oh, I think that’s accurate for sure,” Lynch said when asked about the possibility of trade talks picking up at the Combine. “There’s a couple, three probably, inflection points. Usually down at Mobile (at the Senior Bowl), you get most GMs are down there, then at the Combine, and then at league meetings. So, usually at one of those places, a lot of those conversations. And this week it’s kind of, everybody’s in that mindset coming off the season, now you’re really looking forward. And yes, a lot of those conversations have commenced, and the inception of them was here, and some finish here.”

Filling Needs on the Defensive Line

One of the 49ers’ most pressing needs heading into the offseason is defensive line depth, both on the edge and in the middle. The team has already begun evaluating free agency options, including standout pass rushers like Jaelen Phillips, Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, and Khalil Mack. However, the 49ers may prefer to target players on more favorable contracts, allowing them to retain draft capital and still fill the gaps on their defense.

In particular, edge rushers are a critical area of focus for the 49ers. While free agency offers a strong group of pass rushers, the team could look at more strategic trades to acquire a player who fits both their defensive system and their budget. With a championship window wide open, San Francisco might not hesitate to send out draft capital in exchange for an established player who can immediately contribute.

Similarly, the interior defensive line is another area where the 49ers could look to make a trade. After the success of their Maliek Collins trade two years ago, San Francisco may target an upgrade at defensive tackle, particularly with free agency offering few top-tier options in that position. As the 49ers continue to look for ways to strengthen their defense, expect their front office to explore potential trade opportunities.

Potential Player Trades: Could Renardo Green Be on the Move?

In addition to pursuing external players, the 49ers may also consider moving one of their own players. Renardo Green, a cornerback, has recently emerged as a potential trade candidate. ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Ben Solak reported that there’s an 80 percent chance Green could be traded this offseason. Despite flashes of promise, Green has been inconsistent during his first two years with the team. The 49ers could see this as an opportunity to offload a player who doesn’t quite fit their long-term plans while acquiring additional assets in the process.

As the Combine progresses, expect trade rumors around Green to intensify. If a deal is to happen, the 49ers will likely use the next few weeks to gauge interest from other teams and see if there’s a trade partner willing to meet their asking price.

Offloading Assets and Building for the Future

The San Francisco 49ers are in an enviable position heading into the 2026 NFL offseason. With a strong foundation in place and extra cap space to work with, they are poised to make moves that could strengthen their chances of contending for a Super Bowl. While free agency remains a major focus, the trade market will also be a key factor in the 49ers’ roster-building efforts. Whether it’s acquiring high-impact players or offloading assets for future gains, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the 49ers’ 2026 campaign.

As John Lynch stated, trade conversations at the Combine are just beginning. The 49ers could very well use this time to strike a deal that propels them toward even greater success in the coming season. Whether they trade for an edge rusher, upgrade their defensive tackle, or part ways with a current player like Renardo Green, expect the 49ers to be active in trade discussions over the next few weeks.

Looking Ahead: The 49ers’ Future

The 49ers’ approach to the offseason is clear: they are looking for ways to continue building on their already strong roster while ensuring they remain a dominant force in the NFC. With superstar players like Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers are positioned to be Super Bowl contenders in 2026. Now, it’s about filling in the gaps, improving where possible, and making sure their team is balanced and deep enough to go the distance.

As always, John Lynch and the front office will continue to evaluate opportunities to improve the roster, whether through free agency or the trade market. In the coming weeks, expect the 49ers to make bold moves that could push them one step closer to securing that elusive sixth Super Bowl title.

With the 2026 NFL season quickly approaching, trade talks at the Combine could prove to be a crucial stepping stone in shaping the 49ers’ future. Only time will tell what moves Lynch and Shanahan ultimately make, but one thing is for sure: the 49ers are in win-now mode.