Did the 49ers do enough at the trade deadline?

The 49ers added defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and wide receiver Keenan Allen before the NFL trade deadline, but San Jose Mercury News columnist Dieter Kurtenbach believes San Francisco could have done more to strengthen its Super Bowl chances.

Kurtenbach joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to assess the moves and the team’s needs. He likes what Allen brings to the offense, particularly with Mike Evans’ health uncertain.

Allen remains a polished route runner who can line up inside or outside, and Kurtenbach expects him to build a connection with Brock Purdy.

“He’s got some juice left in him,” Kurtenbach said. “He can run all the routes, and you can move him anywhere on the offense.”

Kurtenbach sees Allen as a dependable option who could take pressure off the 49ers’ younger receivers and give Deebo Samuel more room to work as a gadget player when he returns.

He also believes Allen’s presence matters against defenses such as Minnesota and Seattle, which can pressure the quarterback and disrupt timing.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 18: Keenan Allen #10 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Tony Adams #29 of the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

But Kurtenbach’s bigger concern is the secondary. He said the defensive line is in better shape than some observers think, with Buckner drawing double teams and helping open opportunities for teammates. Kurtenbach called Buckner a “force multiplier” and said Osa Odighizuwa had one of his best games with the 49ers alongside him.

“I would sell out one sack, but then a bunch of clean pockets in the other snaps,” Kurtenbach said. “I would sell that out for pressure on every single snap.”

Instead of pursuing another pass rusher, Kurtenbach would have prioritized adding depth in the secondary, pointing to communication problems and injuries. He said the 49ers could have used another capable safety, nickel corner or outside cornerback, especially with Nate Hobbs’ return date uncertain.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 07: (R-L) General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan look on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitta Football Complex on February 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

“I can tell you that the 49ers didn’t lack for effort at the trade deadline,” Kurtenbach said. “Maybe they lacked for the stones. Maybe the fortitude to really push it all the way in.”

The urgency is tied to the team’s championship window. Kurtenbach said he sees San Francisco as one of the league’s best teams, but believes the roster and contract outlook make this season particularly important. He noted that the 49ers must balance a push for a title with preserving draft picks in what he called a strong 2027 class.

“They could have created some separation for themselves here with another trade or two,” Kurtenbach said. “I think they left some meat on the bone.”

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• What Keenan Allen brings to the 49ers’ WR room
• Could the 49ers look to unite the Bosa brothers?
• Should the 49ers rest Mike Evans for the playoffs?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

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• Sunday, November 22nd – vs. Minnesota Vikings (Mexico City) – 5:20 pm PT
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