John Lynch breaks silence on 49ers’ inactivity at NFL trade deadline

The San Francisco 49ers chose not to make any trades at the NFL trade deadline despite facing significant challenges at the pass-rusher position. This decision came even though key defensive players Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams are out for the remainder of the 2025 season. The team actively reached out to several other franchises, including the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, exploring potential acquisitions such as Trey Hendrickson, Jermaine Johnson, and Jaelan Phillips. However, according to 49ers general manager John Lynch, the asking price for these players was simply too steep to justify any deal. Lynch spoke candidly during his weekly KNBR radio appearance, explaining that the 49ers had been working on potential trades for a long time. He emphasized the organization's strong track record, noting that San Francisco ranks in the top four league-wide for trades executed this year. He reiterated that the team values discipline and adherence to its process, refusing to overpay just to fill gaps. Lynch also contrasted this cautious approach with situations where a clear game-changer, like Christian McCaffrey, might warrant pushing harder in negotiations, but that none of the available players reached that level of excitement. The 49ers' season has been plagued by injuries not just on defense but offense as well. Franchise quarterback Brock Purdy has missed seven of nine games due to a stubborn turf toe injury. This has forced veteran backup Mac Jones to take most of the snaps this season. Despite these setbacks, San Francisco has performed admirably, holding a 6-3 record and trailing the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams by only half a game in the NFC West standings. In their most recent game, Jones led the team to a 34-24 win over the New York Giants, showcasing resilience and depth. Looking ahead, Purdy was limited in practice on Wednesday, but the coaching staff remains optimistic. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated plans to gradually ramp up Purdy’s involvement in practice, aiming to get him more first-team reps before their upcoming Week 10 clash against the Rams. The 49ers appear committed to maintaining their disciplined approach to roster building while hoping their injured stars will return to bolster the team's chances as the season progresses. Overall, the 49ers' strategy during the trade deadline underscores a balance between caution and competitive ambition. While the team is acutely aware of the immediate needs created by injuries, it also recognizes the potential long-term costs of making impulsive moves. With a strong record despite adversity, San Francisco is betting on internal development and measured decision-making rather than overpaying in a market where certain players commanded high trade prices.