Pair of All-Pro suggested as targets for 49ers at NFL trade deadline - Niners Wire
The San Francisco 49ers have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL in 2026, but they've also been one of the league's best this year, building a 6-1 record through the first eight weeks, with their lone loss coming to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.
Heading into the back half of the season, the 49ers may need to add more to their 53-man roster and might be willing to do so as they're in win-now mode.
With the trade deadline looming, ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently put together a list of moves that Super Bowl contenders should make in the coming days. For the 49ers, he suggested trading for safety Jessie Bates III and defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Bates, 29, played collegiately at Wake Forest from 2015-17 before the Cincinnati Bengals took him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He made one All-Pro team during his five years with the Bengals and left to join the Falcons in 2023, and he's made two more All-Pro teams and a Pro Bowl since then.
San Francisco's safety room has potential, but they could use a real veteran to lead the group. Having Bates next to a rotation of Ji'Ayir Brown, Marques Sigle and Malik Mustapha is much scarier for opposing quarterbacks and coordinators.
Jordan, 37, played at California from 2007-10 before the New Orleans Saints took him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In his 16 seasons in New Orleans, he's made eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams while recording 132 career sacks.
The 49ers are expected to get Nick Bosa back soon, but they could use another veteran to rush in the mix with Keion White and Romello Height on the opposite side. Jordan would fit that bill nicely in what's likely to be his last season.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation.
Comments reflect the views of their authors, not USA TODAY, its publications or its journalists. We do not fact check, verify, or endorse comments and are not responsible for their accuracy or any reliance on them. We may remove comments or suspend commenting privileges at our discretion. Comments are public; do not post personal information. By commenting, you agree to our Terms of Service, Community Rules, and Privacy Policy.
