The San Francisco 49ers were able to sneak in a move just before the NFL trade deadline Tuesday afternoon.
The Niners picked up defensive tackle Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, according to multiple reports. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini was first to report the trade, with her post on X coming right at the deadline of 1 p.m. Pacific.
Davis, 28, was taken in the sixth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 but didn’t find a consistent NFL home until he landed in Houston last season. In 15 games in 2023, Davis had 32 combined tackles and two sacks while playing just 41% of snaps for the Texans. He fell back down the depth chart in Houston, playing only 32% of snaps in nine games so far in 2024, with just nine combined tackles and one sack.
According to OverTheCap, Davis is signed on a one-year, $1.65 million deal and will be a restricted free agent after this season.
The 49ers were rumored to be pursuing a defensive tackle for weeks, particularly after starter Javon Hargrave was lost for the rest of the regular season with a torn triceps. Instead of swinging for a big trade, though, the 49ers added a career backup in Davis to bolster their depth at the position.
At various points, they were also reportedly seeking to bolster their banged-up positions with trades for either a wide receiver to replace Brandon Aiyuk or a running back to help as Christian McCaffrey recovered from his Achilles injury. With the 49ers planning on McCaffrey playing for the first time this season on Sunday against Tampa Bay though, the spin coming from out of a deadline with one small move is clear.
“I’ve got a big move they can make at the deadline, the 49ers: They’re going to get back Christian McCaffrey,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said on ESPN’s trade deadline special show. “There’s a big move. There is a BIG move right there.”
The 49ers are scheduled to play at the Buccaneers on Sunday, with kickoff set for 10 a.m. on Fox.
This breaking story has been updated.
