The San Francisco 49ers face a familiar strategic puzzle as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches: how to maximize impact with limited capital. Currently holding just six picks—and none in the third round or after the fourth—the front office may need to get creative to bolster a roster with both immediate depth concerns and long-term vision. While they could stand pat with selections at No. 27, 58, 127, 133, 138, and 139, exploring the trade market could provide the extra swings necessary to find hidden gems or secure crucial role players.

Let's break down seven potential trade avenues that could help the 49ers accumulate more draft picks for 2026.

The most straightforward path is trading down from their first-round slot at No. 27. The key will be finding a trade partner. If a coveted prospect unexpectedly falls, it could spark a bidding war among teams picking in the late 20s or early 30s, especially if a club is desperate to secure the valuable fifth-year option that comes with a first-round selection. However, the 49ers' position is nuanced; teams looking to jump into the first round for a quarterback, for instance, might target picks later than No. 27, making a deal contingent on the right player being available.

Another intriguing asset is backup quarterback Mason Jones. With the initial wave of quarterback movement seemingly settled, the market has been quiet. But the draft has a way of shifting plans overnight. If a team misses on their target in the first round or sees an unexpected run at the position, Jones could become a hot commodity. Packaging him in a deal could potentially net the 49ers a valuable Day 2 pick, providing the kind of mid-round capital that has been a hallmark of their successful roster building in recent years.