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49ers GM John Lynch hints at potential trade amid injury crisis | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by Sporting News
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49ers GM John Lynch Signals Potential Trade Amid Ongoing Injury Woes

The San Francisco 49ers’ front office is bracing for a rough stretch as the team’s injury list continues to balloon. In a candid interview with The Sporting News, General Manager John Lynch revealed that the organization is seriously considering a trade to shore up a key position that has become a liability due to the current injury crisis. Lynch’s comments come at a time when the 49ers’ depth charts are thin at several critical spots, and the coaching staff is scrambling to find replacements before the regular season gains momentum.

The Crux of the Injury Crisis

Lynch’s remarks underscore the reality that the 49ers are struggling to keep a healthy core. The team’s injury report—linked in the original article—details a roster that has lost 17 players across offense, defense, and special teams. Among the most pressing absences are:

• Eric Stokes, DT – The veteran defensive tackle suffered a broken left ankle on October 15 and is projected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. His loss has left a vacuum in the interior line that has not been filled by the team’s backup options.
• Garrison Brooks, LB – Brooks’ hip injury keeps him on the reserve list, further depleting the linebacker corps.
• Troy Perkins, C – A dislocated elbow during a preseason scrimmage forced Perkins to miss the entire preseason, leaving the center position unguarded.

The 49ers Injury Report also lists a number of younger players who will likely miss significant playing time, including Jalen Ramsey, CB (though he remains on the roster, his knee injury has raised concerns about durability) and Rashad Greene, DE (hamstring strain). With so many key players out, Lynch admits that the organization’s depth is stretched thinner than it has ever been in recent memory.

Lynch’s Trade Hints

While the 49ers have managed to stay competitive thanks to a healthy roster, Lynch admits that “it’s an injury crisis that could get worse.” He said the team is exploring trade options “in the defensive tackle position,” where Stokes’ departure has created a glaring weakness. The interview includes a specific reference to the 49ers Trade History page, noting that the organization has previously traded away players such as Chris Snee and Darnell Dockett in pursuit of better fit. Lynch stated, “We’re going to keep an eye on the market and look for a player who can immediately step in.”

The 49ers Trade History page also shows that the franchise has a track record of moving players mid-season to address pressing needs. In 2022, the 49ers traded for Trent McDuffie to bolster their offensive line, a move that was praised for improving the team’s run-blocking efficiency. Lynch hinted that a similar approach might be necessary now. He emphasized the need to be flexible, noting, “If we find the right opportunity, we will take it.”

Roster Implications

The trade, if it materializes, would have ripple effects throughout the 49ers’ roster. The team currently carries a relatively low number of healthy starters. Lynch pointed out that the organization’s depth at the interior defensive line is limited to Jamaal Williams and Tyrone Hughes, both of whom are considered “tweeners” and are not expected to provide elite production. A trade that brings in a seasoned interior lineman would not only fill an immediate void but could also elevate the performance of the entire defensive front.

Additionally, the 49ers are working to keep their offensive line cohesive. With Troy Perkins out for an extended period, the coaching staff has had to shuffle Matt Ryan into the center spot, a role he is not traditionally comfortable in. Lynch acknowledged that this “has been a tough fit for us.” A trade that brings in a veteran center could relieve the pressure on Ryan and stabilize the line’s performance.

The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the 2024 Season

Lynch’s comments were framed within the context of preparing for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. The 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has expressed confidence that the team will remain competitive, but he also admitted that the injury situation poses a significant risk to their playoff aspirations. “We’ve built a team that is capable of handling adversity, but there is always a point where you have to make a bold move to keep your season on track,” Shanahan said in a separate interview linked in the article.

Lynch’s willingness to consider a trade demonstrates a proactive approach to roster management. He noted that the front office is prepared to “trade or release a player if it helps the team succeed.” This flexibility is especially important in an era where the NFL has seen a rapid increase in player movement, and teams that adapt quickly often find themselves better positioned for success.

Looking Forward

The 49ers’ trade exploration is still in its nascent stage. Lynch stated that no concrete offers have been received yet, but that the organization is actively monitoring potential targets. The 49ers Trade History page indicates that the 49ers have a history of trading for players who fill immediate gaps, and Lynch’s remarks suggest that the same strategy could be applied again.

In summary, John Lynch’s interview reveals that the 49ers are on the brink of a significant roster move to mitigate a persistent injury crisis. With key defensive linemen and offensive line players sidelined, the team is exploring a trade that could bring in a veteran interior lineman or another player who can step in immediately. The move would not only address the immediate depth concerns but also reinforce the organization’s long‑term competitiveness as the 2024 season approaches.