The San Francisco 49ers, typically known for making big moves at the NFL trade deadline, took a more subdued approach this year. Instead of acquiring a major difference-maker, they secured backup defensive tackle Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Davis, a 2020 sixth-round pick, has recorded 43 tackles and three sacks across 27 games, with just one start. This season, he registered nine tackles and one sack in nine games while playing 32% of Houston’s defensive snaps. With two years under his belt with Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans—formerly the 49ers’ defensive coordinator—Davis is familiar with their defensive system. The 49ers’ decision to add him follows the injury of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn triceps.
This trade stands in contrast to the 49ers’ typical trade deadline activity, where they’ve previously acquired notable players who made significant impacts, such as Jimmy Garoppolo (2017), Emmanuel Sanders (2019), Christian McCaffrey (2022), and Chase Young (2023). This year, with the 49ers sitting at 4-4 and dealing with injuries to key players like Hargrave and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, many expected a more high-profile move. However, general manager John Lynch had already hinted that there wouldn’t be any major trades. Lynch cited the team’s salary cap concerns, especially with quarterback Brock Purdy’s impending contract extension, and pointed to injured players returning as reinforcements, including McCaffrey, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, pass rusher Yetur Gross-Matos, and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Despite the lack of a major acquisition, Lynch remains confident in the team’s depth, particularly with McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, expected to return soon. “We’ve got a chance to get a lot of these guys back, and that can buoy our team,” Lynch said.
However, the team’s defense could still use some reinforcements. While the 49ers are ranked 10th in total defense, their stats are down compared to previous years, and their sack numbers are relatively low. With Greenlaw and Gross-Matos returning from injuries, the 49ers hope their defense will stabilize, but there are concerns about how quickly they can regain their top form. Defensive linemen such as Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd, along with unproven depth, may need to step up as the season progresses.
Veteran offensive lineman Trent Williams said he was curious to see if the team would make a move, but he trusts that the 49ers’ leadership has confidence in the roster. “If there’s a move to be made, they’re probably going to try and make it. If not, we’ve got enough in this locker room to go (compete) with anybody,” Williams said.
