The San Francisco 49ers might just be the unluckiest team in the league this season. Few rosters have been hit harder by injuries, especially on defense. Yet somehow, Kyle Shanahan’s team has stayed competitive. But as we inch closer to the trade deadline, the Niners’ head coach finally opened up about what the team might do to patch up its ailing roster.

When Shanahan was asked about possible trade moves, he didn’t drop any names, but he did make the approach pretty clear. “Of course, we want someone to help us this year, but not at the expense of next year. Hopefully, we can find a situation that does both,” Shanahan said.

So, the 49ers want an immediate boost without mortgaging their future. And if the right fit doesn’t come along? the Niners’ head coach isn’t going to force it.

“If not, you don’t just do something to do it. I’m really excited about the guys we have in our building right now,” Shanahan added.

It’s not the first time Shanahan has set that tone. About ten days ago, he said something similar, explaining that he’s looking for a player who can “absolutely help us get better this year without hurting us next year, and you balance both of those out.” Shanahan’s never been one for desperate moves, and that’s unlikely to change this season as well.

The Niners have lost both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for the season. Two of their biggest defensive players gone. Bosa tore his ACL in Week 3 and underwent surgery in September, while Warner’s year came to an end after he dislocated and fractured his ankle in Week 6.

The 49ers’ secondary still has managed to hold up surprisingly well, keeping games within reach despite losing two of their defensive cornerstones. But just when it looked like things couldn’t get any worse, another blow arrived.

Bryce Huff’s injury is the latest blow for Kyle Shanahan

Just when it looked like things couldn’t possibly get any worse for the 49ers’ secondary, another setback happened. This time, to edge rusher Bryce Huff.

After injuries to Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos, Huff was the only healthy, plus-graded pass rusher on Sunday. And now, even he’s expected to miss a couple of weeks after tweaking his hamstring during the team’s 20–10 win over the Falcons. And with San Francisco set to face C.J. Stroud and rookie Jaxson Dart next? Not good timing.

Huff’s absence could hurt. He’s been one of the most disruptive players on this defense, ranking No. 20 in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate rankings. He put up five tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble vs Atlanta. He’s racked up four sacks this season already.

Right now, the only healthy edge defenders available are rookie Mykel Williams and 2022 undrafted free agent Sam Okuayinonu. Between them, they’ve managed just two sacks all season. So if Shanahan does pick up his phone before the deadline, there’s one name that makes a ton of sense: Trey Hendrickson.

After a long offseason contract dispute, the Bengals gave him more money but no extension, meaning he’ll hit free agency next year. Shanahan wants someone who fits long term, and Hendrickson still has a few years left in him. Clearly.

Despite the Bengals’ defense falling apart around him, Hendrickson has remained productive, tallying 15 tackles and 4 sacks this season. He can’t go wrong under Kyle Shanahan.

What’s your prediction for the 49ers trade deadline move?