The San Francisco 49ers have produced six sacks through four games, a modest total for an unbeaten contender with a difficult divisional road test next. That pass-rush shortage put Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack at the center of the club’s trade-deadline discussion on Locked On 49ers, though no deal or formal pursuit has been confirmed.
Locked On 49ers co-host Eric Crocker called Mack a strong short-term fit, arguing the 35-year-old could add immediate production without blocking younger edge players from developing. Mack has three sacks in four games for the Chargers this season.
Host Brian Peacock presented Mack as a candidate rather than a reportable target, noting that talk of a San Francisco call to Los Angeles was unsubstantiated. Peacock’s larger point was that the 49ers can consider veteran rentals while their current core remains positioned to contend.
Nick Winkler, a recurring Locked On 49ers guest, called edge rush the roster’s most glaring issue. He backed the idea of paying for a rental player, contending the 49ers should capitalize on a 4-0 start instead of preserving future assets for a window that may look different once the roster’s veteran contributors move on.
Mack’s appeal in that scenario is straightforward: he remains an active, productive outside linebacker on an expiring one-year deal, and he would address the exact pressure need the hosts identified. The cost, contract mechanics and willingness of the Chargers to move him would decide whether the discussion ever advances beyond a logical fit.
The Seattle Seahawks game gives San Francisco another evaluation point before the November trade deadline. A stronger rush could reduce the urgency, but another quiet outing from the edge would sharpen the case for calling on proven veterans such as Mack.
49ers News and Notes
– Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne also surfaced in the discussion. Crocker viewed Payne as a possible interior addition who could help the 49ers continue improving against the run, but Peacock did not report that Washington has made him available. Payne is active with the Commanders.
– 49ers punter Corliss Waitman earned Winkler’s praise after the Denver game. Winkler highlighted Waitman’s four punts, 52-yard average, 61-yard long punt and zero returns allowed as evidence that San Francisco’s coverage units have created hidden field-position value. Waitman is listed as the team’s active punter.
More on the San Francisco 49ers
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- A 49ers Player Has Been Fined for His Actions in Week 4 Versus the Broncos
- Richard Sherman Urges 49ers to Trade for Veteran NFC Star Defensive Lineman
- Kyle Shanahan Achieved a Major 49ers Coaching Milestone in Week 4
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