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San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/5/24

November 5th, 2024 at 9:07pm CST by Ely Allen

Tuesday’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay Packers

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders

Free Agent

We don’t have a reason for Moreland’s suspension yet, but we know that it will last three weeks. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2021, but if a team were to sign him, he wouldn’t be available for three games.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/5/24

November 5th, 2024 at 6:40pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

49ers To Bring Back S Tashaun Gipson

November 5th, 2024 at 5:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 49ers considered a Tashaun Gipson reunion this offseason but stood down, and the veteran safety’s ensuing suspension put his career in limbo. Now that the Jaguars have moved on, however, the Niners are back in.

Gipson is joining San Francisco’s practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Released on Monday, Gipson found a familiar landing spot. The 13th-year defender spent the past two seasons with the 49ers, and he will return to the Bay Area to provide some insurance.

Now 34, Gipson has not played since his previous 49ers stint ended. The Jags added him in August, shortly after word of the PED suspension surfaced. Jacksonville cut Gipson, who had played three seasons with the club (2016-18), rather than move him onto its 53-man roster. Gipson now has a path back to the 49ers’ active unit.

Talanoa Hufanga remains on IR but is in play to return from his latest injury — a wrist issue — this season. Though, it is not a lock that occurs. Gipson started alongside Hufanga for two seasons, impressing in 2022 by intercepting five passes for DeMeco Ryans‘ unit. Gipson started all 33 regular-season games he played from 2022-23, providing the 49ers with stability.

The team has used 2023 third-round pick Ji’Ayir Brown and rookie Malik Mustapha as its starting safeties as of late, with Hufanga running into the wrist trouble not long after the 49ers activated him from the PUP list. The 2022 All-Pro was not available for the team’s stretch run last season, suffering an ACL tear. With Hufanga’s return timeline uncertain, the 49ers will add a player with their scheme. San Francisco now houses significant experience at safety on its taxi squad, having Adrian Amos there as well.

San Francisco cut Anders Carlson from its P-squad to make room, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Carlson kicked in two games for the defending NFC champions this season, being one of the team’s Jake Moody fill-in options. As Moody moves closer to returning, the 49ers cutting Carlson brings a good sign the 2023 third-round pick will be ready to return following the team’s recent bye.

49ers To Acquire Khalil Davis From Texans

November 5th, 2024 at 3:08pm CST by Adam La Rose

Right at the deadline, one final trade has been agreed to. Defensive tackle Khalil Davis is headed from the Texans to the 49ers, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Houston will acquire a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange. This move will provide San Francisco with depth along the defensive front, something which will be welcomed given the fact Javon Hargrave is out for at least the remainder of the regular season. Davis will look to carve out a rotational role on his new team.

The 28-year-old made only a pair of appearances with the Buccaneers during his rookie season. That was followed by a single game played with the Colts the following year. Davis not see any regular season action in 2022, but it was with the Texans that he managed to find a regular spot on the active roster. He played 15 games last season, collecting 32 tackles and a pair of sacks.

The Nebraska product has played in all nine contests for Houston in 2024, although his snap share (32%) has taken a step back compared to last season. Now, Davis will look to handle at least a similar workload upon arrival in the Bay Area. Davis – a pending free agent – is attached to a base salary of only $1.1MM, so this will be an easily affordable pickup for the 49ers.

Under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco has made a trade at or near the deadline every season except 2018 (h/t ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). As such, it comes as no surprise the team has gone ahead with another move just before this year’s trade deadline. Sitting at 4-4 on the year, the 49ers are in the thick of the wide-open NFC West race while awaiting the return of multiple key players over the coming weeks.

Of course, this is not the first time these teams have hooked up for a D-lineman trade. Houston dealt Maliek Collins to San Francisco in March, and he has been a full-time starter for the 49ers this year. Collins will have a familiar face alongside him for the second half of the season.

49ers Designate Christian McCaffrey For Return; Week 10 Debut Still Expected

November 4th, 2024 at 1:13pm CST by Adam La Rose

The next step in Christian McCaffrey‘s return has been taken. The 49ers announced on Monday he has returned to practice, opening his 21-day activation window.

The news comes as little surprise with San Francisco opting to keep McCaffrey on injured reserve through the team’s bye week. A season debut during Week 10 has long been a target, and that remains the case. Indeed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms last season’s Offensive Player of the Year is still on track to suit up for the 49ers’ next game.

McCaffrey missed time in the summer with an Achilles issue which did not immediately seem to threaten his availability for the regular season. The 28-year-old was ultimately placed on injured reserve, however, before taking a trip to Germany to see a specialist. A period of recovery was in place upon return before McCaffrey began a ramp-up phase in his rehab.

Roughly one month ago, the three-time Pro Bowler resumed on-field work, and he has not encountered any setbacks since. Today’s move opens McCaffrey’s activation window, and he must be moved to the active roster within three weeks to avoid reverting to season-ending IR. Provided that takes place, San Francisco’s offense will receive a major boost.

McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing last season, and he topped the league in total scrimmage yards (2,023) and touchdowns (21). A repeat of that production will not be possible given his missed time in 2024, but having a full strength backfield will be key for the 49ers. The team sits at 4-4 on the year despite ranking near the top of the league in several offensive categories, including rushing production (159 yards per game). Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo have filled in during McCaffrey’s absence, but with Brandon Aiyuk out for the year, a full stable of running backs will be key moving forward.

San Francisco also opened the practice window of offensive lineman Jon Feliciano. The 32-year-old was moved to injured reserve one day after roster cutdowns, so his activation will count toward the team’s limit of eight for the regular season. The same is true of McCaffrey as well, of course. When both are brought back into the fold, the 49ers will have four activations remaining.

Trade Rumors: Jefferson, Tomlinson, Browns, 49ers, Broncos, Texans

October 31st, 2024 at 1:13pm CST by Sam Robinson

Following the Amari Cooper swap, more Browns seller’s trades are expected. Za’Darius Smith has emerged as perhaps the top post-Cooper trade chip, but two members of their interior D-line profile as candidates to move. More definitively, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline indicates the Browns will trade Quinton Jefferson if they receive an offer. The nomadic DT has not played since Week 5, with the Browns not receiving much in the way of production on a one-year, $4MM deal. Having played for five teams in the past five seasons (Bills, Raiders, Seahawks, Jets, Browns), Jefferson has been in a number of schemes and has experience at D-tackle and end. He may have drawn some interest already, and it does not sound like it will take much for a team to acquire the 31-year-old D-lineman.

One of the reasons Jefferson is not seeing the field, Dalvin Tomlinson remains the Browns’ lead DT. He is signed to a four-year, $57MM deal, and The Athletic’s Zac Jackson views Tomlinson and Smith as the most likely Browns to be moved at the Nov. 5 deadline. Being the Browns, void years on Tomlinson’s deal have the eighth-year veteran’s base salary at $1.2MM. That would make an acquisition appealing for a team, as Tomlinson has been productive in New York, Minnesota and Cleveland and does not have any guaranteed money due beyond 2024. Pro Football Focus ranked Tomlinson as a top-30 DT from 2017-22 and slots the 30-year-old 31st through eight games.

Here is the latest from the trade market:

Trade Rumors: Smith, Broncos, Johnson

October 30th, 2024 at 10:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Za’Darius Smith continues to come up in trade rumors, despite the Browns snapping their losing skid in Week 8. While Cleveland is not prepared to deal Myles Garrett due to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year remaining a cornerstone presence, Smith looms as a player likely to be dealt as the team regroups midway through Deshaun Watson‘s catastrophic contract. The Browns are still hearing from teams, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, with the former indicating a reasonable Day 3 pick would likely complete a trade. The Lions figure to be a team in on Smith, who addressed a potential Detroit deal recently, while the Ravens — who nearly re-signed Smith in 2022 — are believed to be eyeing defensive help.

In 2023, Smith moved from Minneapolis to Cleveland in a pick-swap trade that featured two fifth-rounders going to the Vikings along with sixth- and seventh-rounders being sent to the Browns. The veteran pass rusher is now 32 and tied to a two-year, $23MM deal that features both a veteran-minimum 2024 base salary — thanks to the Browns’ penchant for void years lowering cap hits — and a $2MM roster bonus due in 2025. The Browns would take on a hefty dead money bill if/when they move Smith, with $14MM-plus set to hit their 2025 books as a result of a deal. That would be an interesting development for a team that has Watson tied to a $72.9MM 2025 cap number.

Here is the latest from the trade market:

  • While the Browns will not need to cover any of Smith’s salary to move him, the Bears certainly will if they want to trade benched guard Nate Davis. Chicago is interested in dealing Davis, who has disappointed on his three-year, $30MM contract. Davis is due just more than $5MM in remaining 2024 salary, and Fowler notes the Bears are prepared to pay some of that tab to extract an asset from an O-line-needy team. Davis, 28, may see his path back to the Bears’ lineup further impeded by Ryan Bates‘ re-emergence; the 2024 trade pickup is in the IR-return window. Davis has not played since Week 5, and the four-year Titans starter has not started since Week 2.
  • John Lynch confirmed during a KNBR appearance (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News) the 49ers were not in on Diontae Johnson. The eighth-year GM has said the 49ers are confident in their receiving group even with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season. San Francisco defeated Dallas without Jauan Jennings but expects to have the WR3 back after their Week 9 bye. As for the Panthers‘ effort to move Johnson, 1340 AM’s Sheena Quick notes two teams were negotiating with the NFC South team prior to the Ravens‘ entrance into the derby. Baltimore came in last, per Quick, but is believed to have made the best offer. The Ravens checked in with a pick-swap proposal involving fifth- and sixth-rounders, and the Panthers are also paying part of Johnson’s salary in what became a wildly underwhelming return for Carolina. The Panthers had initially targeted a mid-round pick for the contract-year wideout.
  • Teams are wondering if the Broncos will still consider selling despite their best eight-game start (5-3) since 2016. In addition to Zach Wilson, previously believed to be available, Fowler adds teams view outside linebacker Baron Browning and cornerback Damarri Mathis as potentially available pieces. A starter to open the season, Browning just returned from IR. Teams looking at the contract-year edge defender points to a potential belief the Broncos will view fellow 2021 draftee Jonathon Cooper as the more likely extension candidate. Browning has played as a backup to Nik Bonitto upon returning, though a trade would strip an option away from a strong Denver defense. A starter to open last season, Mathis has been buried on Denver’s depth chart — one including Riley Moss as Patrick Surtain‘s boundary CB complement — since being activated from IR. Mathis generated summer trade buzz as well.

49ers Eyeing Week 10 Return For RB Christian McCaffrey

October 28th, 2024 at 8:25pm CST by Ben Levine

OCTOBER 28: While the 49ers are on their bye this week, McCaffrey will “hit it hard” and simulate a practice to determine how close he is to a return, Shanahan told reporters (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows). If McCaffrey can exit those simulated sessions without any pain, then the 49ers would plan to open the RB’s practice window next Monday. The team would then give McCaffrey a full week of real practice before activating him to the roster ahead of Week 10.

OCTOBER 21: While a definitive activation date hasn’t been set, it sounds like Christian McCaffrey is getting closer to his return. Coach Kyle Shanahan said there’s “hope” that the star RB could make his return following the team’s bye (per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). That Week 10 target would be dependent on McCaffrey’s continued progress in his recovery from Achilles and calf issues.

While the coach acknowledged that the running back hasn’t experienced any setbacks, he also admitted that it’d be a surprise if McCaffrey returns to practice this week and plays against the Cowboys on Sunday. A post-bye return to practice would provide the All-Pro RB with another two weeks of recovery time, and considering the performance of fill-in Jordan Mason, it’s not a surprise the organization is opting to take it slow.

McCaffrey went to Germany last month to seek treatment on his Achilles tendinitis, a lingering issue that has affected both of the player’s lower limbs. The trip apparently had a positive impact, as the RB was spotted taking part in light on-field work earlier this month. After sitting out the season opener, McCaffrey landed on IR prior to Week 2, so he was only recently eligible for activation.

The 49ers have been snake bitten by injuries this season, with Brandon Aiyuk‘s season-ending ACL tear being the latest inclusion on a long list of ailments. Despite sitting at 3-4, the defensive NFC champs only sit a game behind Seattle in the NFC West standings. If McCaffrey is indeed able to return for Week 10, he’ll provide an instant spark as the 49ers look to make a postseason push.

Speaking of absences, Deebo Samuel exited yesterday’s loss to the Chiefs after getting into only four snaps. Shanahan has since revealed that the wide receiver has since been hospitalized with fluid in his lungs, which Matt Barrows of The Athletic notes is technically pneumonia. Shanahan noted that Samuel’s illness first popped up on Sunday morning, and after the receiver was struggling to breathe during the early portion of yesterday’s game, it was decided the player should exit the contest (per Barrows).

Shanahan also said he’s unsure when Samuel will be able to return to the lineup. When coupled with Aiyuk’s season-ending injury, this could make the 49ers especially light at WR this weekend. Jauan Jennings had a standout Week 3 performance and should lead the depth chart, although the veteran missed yesterday’s game with a hip issue. Ricky Pearsall should also have an opportunity for a significant role. After getting shot in the chest in early September, the first-round rookie made his season debut yesterday, hauling in three catches while getting into 48 snaps.

Trade Notes: 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens, Hawks

October 28th, 2024 at 9:00am CST by Adam La Rose

With the 49ers dealing with a number of injuries at the receiver spot – punctuated by Brandon Aiyuk‘s ACL tear – the team has been floated as a potential buyer in terms of pass-catching help. General manager John Lynch is confident in San Francisco’s incumbent options, though.

“I wouldn’t say that specifically,” Lynch said when asked about pursuing a receiver trade (via David Bonilla of 49ersWebZone.com). “I mean, we look into every situation to see if it can help us at every position. It’s a lot harder to do than people realize. People aren’t into giving up players that can really help you.”

When the unit is at full strength, the 49ers’ WR corps will consist of Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Chris Conley, Jacob Cowing, Ronnie Bell and first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall. The latter has made two appearances since recovering from his offseason gunshot wound, totaling seven catches for 59 yards. Pearsall emerging as a dependable contributor would certainly soften the blow of losing Aiyuk. San Francisco has been connected to a reunion with Kendrick Bourne, but the veteran prefers to remain in New England.

Here are some other trade-related notes from around the NFL:

  • DeAndre Hopkins made his Chiefs debut on Sunday, recording a pair of catches. The three-time All-Pro recently became the latest receiver to be dealt ahead of the November 5 deadline, and his presence will help a Kansas City team which will be without Rashee Rice or Marquise Brown for the rest of the season and which is currently missing Skyy Moore. On the other side of the ball, another move could be in store. Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes the defending champions could be in the market for a cornerback (subscription required). Jaylen Watson‘s fractured ankle makes it unlikely he will return in 2024, so the Chiefs could stand to make a move at the CB spot.
  • During their Week 8 loss to the Browns, the Ravens struggled once again on the defensive side of the ball. Baltimore currently sits 26th in scoring defense, owing in large part to a league-worst 291 passing yards allowed per game. To little surprise, then, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec writes the Ravens would likely prefer to add a defender ahead of the deadline (subscription required). The team has already been connected to pursuing edge rush help, but the decision to bench safety Marcus Williams could also be an indication a safety is on the radar. The Ravens currently have $4.36MM in cap space, enough for a modest midseason acquisition.
  • The 2024 trading period began when the Seahawks acquired Roy Robertson-Harris from the Jaguars. The move gave Seattle an experienced presence along the defensive interior, something which was a priority for the team. As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes, injuries were not a factor in the deal. Rather, the Seahawks have used Robertson-Harris as a rotational member of their D-line amidst their younger incumbent options. The 31-year-old has made seven tackles during his two Seattle appearances.

2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 27th, 2024 at 7:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
  2. Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
  3. New England Patriots: $36.61MM
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
  5. Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
  6. Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
  7. Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
  8. Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
  9. Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
  12. Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
  14. Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
  17. Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
  18. Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
  21. Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
  22. Houston Texans: $6.01MM
  23. New York Jets: $5.1MM
  24. Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
  25. Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
  26. Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
  27. Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
  28. New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
  29. Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
  30. Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
  31. New York Giants: $1.51MM
  32. Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

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