49ers To Trade RB Jeff Wilson To Dolphins
Minutes after trading away one running back, the Dolphins have acquired another. San Francisco is sending Jeff Wilson to Miami, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Tom Pelissero of NFL Network adds that the Dolphins are sending a 2023 fifth-round pick in return (Twitter link). 
[RELATED: Dolphins To Acquire LB Chubb From Broncos]
Last week, it was reported that the 26-year-old was drawing trade interest. That came as little surprise, given San Francisco’s acquisition of Christian McCaffrey to operate as their new No. 1 back. Wilson represented one of several veterans at the position who either have been (or have been rumored to be) on the move in advance of this afternoon’s deadline. Moving him will allow the 49ers to recoup a small amount of draft capital after the McCaffrey trade.
Wilson will represent a familiar face for Miami despite the cross-country move, of course. He will be reunited with Mike McDaniel, who is in his first season as the Dolphins’ head coach after working on San Francisco’s staff. Wilson had spent each of his four-and-a-half seasons in the Bay Area, making contributions as part of the team’s rotation at RB along the way. His career high in rushing yards was 600 (set in 2020), but he was enjoying another productive year in 2022 (5.1 yards per carry).
Wilson will also resume his work in a tandem with Raheem Mostert in the backfield for Miami, just as the pair did in San Francisco. The latter signed a one-year deal this March in following McDaniel to the Sunshine State. Wilson, too, has been operating on a one-year pact in 2022. He and Mostert are in line to lead the Dolphins’ backfield for the remainder of the season, after Chase Edmonds was included in the package sent to the Broncos for pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
To say the Dolphins’ plan of teaming Jaylen Waddle with Tyreek Hill has worked so far would be a dramatic understatement. The wide receiver tandem has proven to be arguably the league’s best, with Hill and Waddle ranking first and fourth league-wide in yards, respectively. The ground game has been much different, however. Miami sits 28th in the NFL with an average of only 88 rushing yards per game.
That figure demonstrates the team’s inability to substantially improve on last year’s struggles in the run game, something which played a key role in their offensive inconsistency. With Wilson in place now, how much of a step forward the team takes in at least complimenting the pass game (and what is now a much-improved defense) will be worth watching down the stretch.
Trade Rumors: Broncos, Cooks, Akers, Hunt, Cowboys, Lions, 49ers
Brandin Cooks is available, and Dan Graziano of ESPN.com notes (via Twitter) the Texans are in discussions involving the ninth-year receiver. But Cooks’ $18MM guaranteed 2023 salary — which came to pass after Houston re-signed him on a two-year, $39MM pact in April — has proven to be an impediment here. Teams are not moving on Cooks unless the Texans pick up a chunk of that salary. Cooks, 29, was linked to giving up some guaranteed money to facilitate a trade back to the Rams. But it is unlikely he will give up too much cash to be moved. The Giants and Vikings have also been connected to the thrice-traded Cooks. For what it’s worth, Cooks was not at Texans practice Tuesday. Personal reasons — not an imminent trade — are believed to be behind Cooks’ absence, NFL.com’s Garafolo tweets.
With the deadline in less than three hours, here is the latest from the trade front:
- The Broncos have told teams they are not conducting a fire sale, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. A Bradley Chubb trade still could commence, but NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo hears (video link) the team is holding out for a better offer. Denver has been linked to not only wanting a first-round pick for Chubb but two firsts. With the latter price range unlikely to take shape, the Broncos figure to be put to a major decision today. Jerry Jeudy remains unlikely to be moved, per Garafolo.
- No Cam Akers trade is imminent, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets. The Rams have been looking for a trade partner to unload their 2020 second-round pick. This situation may not be as icy as previously believed, however. Akers was once rumored to be done with the Rams, but he is now prepared to return to the team if no trade occurs this afternoon.
- Prior to acquiring James Robinson from the Jaguars, the Jets looked into Kareem Hunt, Breer notes. The Browns have dangled Hunt for the price of a fourth-round pick, but the former rushing champion may now be set to stay in Cleveland for at least this season’s remainder. Hunt, 27, should be expected to hit free agency if no trade goes down today.
- The Lions may not be done dealing. After sending T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings, the rebuilding NFC North squad has informed teams it remains open for business. Defensive back is one of the areas in which Detroit is willing to deal, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones tweets. Contract-year cornerback Amani Oruwariye would appear to be one name available. While Jeff Okudah arrived before the Brad Holmes regime took over, it would still be surprising if Detroit moved on from the former No. 3 overall pick.
- In addition to making defensive end Tarell Basham available, the Cowboys are open to moving defensive tackle Trysten Hill, Breer adds. Dallas has not seen the former second-round pick develop into a starter but has used him as a part-time player throughout this season. The team just added Johnathan Hankins via trade and has rookie-contract performers Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna ahead of Hill. Basham has only played in one game this season (Week 1) and remains on IR. The Cowboys designated the former third-round edge rusher for return late last month, however.
- The 49ers have already made their big trade splash, sending four picks to the Panthers for Christian McCaffrey. Kyle Shanahan said (via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area) the phone lines are always open, but the team does not expect to make another move.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/31/22
Today’s minor transactions:
Baltimore Ravens
- Released: CB Daryl Worley
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: DT Domenique Davis, WR Trenton Irwin
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: CB Thomas Graham Jr., CB Herb Miller
- Promoted: LB Dakota Allen, TE Miller Forristall
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Claimed off waivers (from 49ers): G Blake Hance
Los Angeles Chargers
- Designated for return: TE Stone Smartt
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: WR Willie Snead
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: DB Ugo Amadi
49ers’ Deebo Samuel Out For Week 8; Kyle Juszczyk Undergoes Surgery
In the second game during which the 49ers will have their new No. 1 running back available, they will be shorthanded in their receiving corps. The team ruled out Deebo Samuel for their Week 8 game against the Rams, as a result of a hamstring injury. 
This will be Samuel’s first missed contest of the year, one in which expectations were sky-high. His All-Pro performance in 2021 – during which he posted 1,405 receiving yards and eight rushing touchdowns – led to a dramatic spike in his perceived free agent value. Extension eligible for the first time this offseason, a lack of traction in contract talks led the 26-year-old to request a trade in April.
The situation ultimately resulted in a deal being struck at the end of July, though, with Samuel set to average nearly $24MM per season. So far in 2022, the final year of his rookie contract, the South Carolina product has once again been featured both in the air and on the ground. Samuel ranks second on the team in receiving (387) and rushing (138) yards.
Another key member of the 49ers’ offense will be absent today. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk had surgery to repair a broken finger earlier this week, as noted (on Twitter) by Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. The 31-year-old had played in every contest so far this year, after having done the same in 2020 and 2021. Those campaigns extended his Pro Bowl streak to six years, meaning his absence will be felt as the team tries to further implement trade acquisition Christian McCaffrey into their offense.
Among the notable defensive players who will be sidelined is Dre Greenlaw. He, too will miss his first contest of the season – ending a welcomed run of availability after he was limited to just three games last season. He is dealing with a calf injury, something which will leave San Francisco’s linebacking corps shorthanded. Greenlaw had played every defensive snap in five games this season, cementing his status as a key member of the unit after agreeing to a two-year extension last month.
The 3-4 49ers will look to rebound from last week’s loss to the Chiefs and attempt to gain ground in the wide-open NFC West against the defending champions.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/29/22
Here are the minor moves leading into Sunday’s slate of games:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted from practice squad: DT Antwaun Woods, T Badara Traore
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed to active roster: CB Cornell Armstrong
- Promoted from practice squad: S Jovante Moffatt, DL Jalen Dalton
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted from practice squad: RB Spencer Brown
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: T Joe Haeg
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: RB Malik Davis, TE Sean McKeon
- Promoted from practice squad: RB Qadree Ollison, G Dakoda Shepley
- Placed on IR: LB Devin Harper
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: RB Devine Ozigbo
- Promoted from practice squad: T Quinn Bailey, DE Jonathan Kongbo
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: K Michael Badgley
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Maurice Alexander, WR Stanley Berryhill
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted from practice squad: S Innis Gaines, DE Kobe Jones
Houston Texans
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Jalen Camp, T KC McDermott
Las Vegas Raiders
- Promoted from practice squad: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
Los Angeles Rams
- Activated from IR: WR Van Jefferson, CB Troy Hill (story)
- Promoted from practice squad: RB Ronnie Rivers, T Chandler Brewer
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted from practice squad: S Verone McKinley, WR Braylon Sanders
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted from practice squad: TE Jacob Hollister
New England Patriots
- Activated from IR: T Yodny Cajuste
- Promoted from practice squad: OL Kody Russey
- Placed on IR: G Chasen Hines
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: S Chris Harris
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Kevin White
- Released: WR Keith Kirkwood
New York Jets
- Promoted from practice squad: QB Chris Streveler, OL Conor McDermott
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: DE Tarron Jackson
- Waived: K Cameron Dicker
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed to active roster: WR Willie Snead
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Tay Martin, DT T.Y. McGill
- Waived: T Blake Hance
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from IR: RB Travis Homer
- Promoted from practice squad: OLB Bruce Irvin, WR Cade Johnson
Washington Commanders
- Promoted from practice squad: FB Alex Armah, WR Kyric McGowan
49ers RB Jeff Wilson Drawing Trade Interest
The 49ers have already been major players on the trade front with respect to the running back position, and they could be making another move soon. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that San Francisco has fielded calls about the availability of Jeff Wilson. 
Not surprisingly, Fowler adds that the 49ers are willing to entertain offers on the 26-year-old. The team added a new No. 1 to their backfield last week when they acquired Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers. That, coupled with the fact that Elijah Mitchell is nearing a return, leaves them with an impending logjam at the position. With the latter being under contract for two more seasons after 2022, Wilson represents the logical trade candidate.
Wilson has spent his entire career in San Francisco. Since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Wilson has ridden his tenure out on a series of one-year contracts, the most recent being signed this past March. He’s never been the de facto No. 1 back in San Francisco, but a litany of injuries has given him plenty of run as a lead back over the years. After starting 14 of the 44 games he’s played in over the past five years (five of those starts coming this season), Wilson has established himself as a dependable backup.
Wilson has displayed a decent amount of success and production in the Niners’ system. San Francisco has operated in a running-back-by-committee type of offense, though not exactly by choice. Over the years, injuries to running backs such as Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, Mitchell, and Wilson have made it impossible to formulate an entire offense around one feature back. The addition of star running back Christian McCaffrey is intended to remedy this situation, despite McCaffrey’s recent injury troubles.
Regardless, the arrival of McCaffrey, along with the eventual return of Mitchell and the development of third-round rookie Tyrion Davis-Price, makes Wilson an expendable asset. Since many other teams expressed their interest in McCaffrey when he was made available, it stands to reason that those teams may still have interest in a running back, albeit one of a lower tier of production so far in his career, so it’s little surprise that teams have inquired about Wilson.
Expect this potential trade to be treated like the Jimmy Garoppolo trade situation. The 49ers have shown that they are willing to be patient when offering up a trade asset that still holds value to them. They will continue to utilize Wilson, like they have Garoppolo, until someone gives them an offer they feel matches Wilson’s worth.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
2022 NFL Cap Space, By Team
Days away from this year’s trade deadline (3pm CT, Nov. 1), a few teams have made some in-season moves to bolster their rosters. Several squads have also restructured contracts this season to create additional space. That extra room will matter as most teams will consider adding or subtracting costs before Tuesday’s deadline.
Here is how teams’ cap-space numbers (courtesy of OverTheCap) look ahead of the deadline:
- Cleveland Browns: $33.72MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $10.35MM
- Carolina Panthers: $9.79MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $9.71MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $9.47MM
- Denver Broncos: $7.79MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $7.69MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $7.23MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $7.16MM
- Chicago Bears: $7.08MM
- Green Bay Packers: $6.6MM
- Miami Dolphins: $6.16MM
- New York Jets: $5.71MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $4.97MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $4.95MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $4.93MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $4.76MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $4.3MM
- Washington Commanders: $4.26MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $3.86MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $3.71MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $3.67MM
- New Orleans Saints: $3.61MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $3.31MM
- New York Giants: $3.26MM
- Detroit Lions: $3.25MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $3.07MM
- New England Patriots: $2.19MM
- Houston Texans: $2.09MM
- Buffalo Bills: $1.93MM
- Tennessee Titans: $1.59MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $852K
The Browns have held the top spot for months, and the gulf between their cap-space figure and the field almost certainly stems from a desire to carry over cap space before Deshaun Watson‘s cap number spikes from $9.4MM to a runaway-record $54.99MM. Cleveland has recently been linked to creating more cap space. Interest has come in for Greedy Williams, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Kareem Hunt. Although the Browns did not grant Hunt’s summer trade request, it may now take only a fourth-round pick for Cleveland to deal its backup running back.
Another potential seller could move up on this list while creating some additional space in 2023. The Broncos are believed to have made Jerry Jeudy available. Unlike fellow trade chip Bradley Chubb, Jeudy is under contract for 2023 (on a $4.83MM cap number). Denver appears more likely to move Chubb. That departure would remove the franchise tag from the team’s equation in 2023 — barring a tag for fellow 2023 UFA-to-be Dre’Mont Jones — thus freeing up more free agency funds. It will be interesting if the Broncos, if they are to move Chubb, agree to eat much of his fifth-year option salary. George Paton‘s club took on most of Von Miller‘s 2021 money to increase draft compensation.
The Eagles are still near the top despite acquiring Robert Quinn. Philadelphia is paying just $684K of Quinn’s contract, which now runs through 2022 instead of 2024. Chicago is on the hook for $7.1MM. The Bears are on track to have a gargantuan lead on the field for 2023 cap space. They are projected to hold more than $125MM next year, according to OverTheCap.
New Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney checks in at just $784K on their 2022 cap sheet. The former Giants first-rounder’s figures bump to $1.9MM (2023) and $2.53MM (’24). Kansas City recently restructured Travis Kelce‘s deal, creating some wiggle room for the Toney addition. The Chiefs, who did not touch Patrick Mahomes‘ deal this year, restructured Kelce’s contract twice in 2022. Thursday’s trade hit the Giants with a $2.33MM dead-money charge. Toney will count $3.67MM in dead money for the Giants in 2023.
The Panthers picked up nearly $19MM in 2022 dead money via the Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey trades. Unlike the Eagles and Bears, last week’s Panthers-49ers McCaffrey swap did not involve Carolina taking on additional salary. McCaffrey’s offseason restructure dropped his 2022 base salary to the league minimum; the 49ers have him on their books at just $690K. McCaffrey’s record-setting extension will still represent $18.35MM in dead money on the Panthers’ 2023 cap, but his nonguaranteed base salaries from 2023-25 ($11.8MM, $11.8MM, $12MM) transferred fully from Carolina to San Francisco.
On the subject of 2022 dead money, the Bears lead the way with $80.32MM. The Falcons added to their total this month, however, by trading Deion Jones to the Browns. That deal saddled the Falcons with $11.38MM in additional dead money — accompanying the franchise’s record-setting Matt Ryan dead-money hit ($40.53MM) — and ballooned Atlanta’s overall total to $78.57MM. Ryan is off the Falcons’ books after this year, but Jones will carry a $12.14MM dead-money figure in 2023.
49ers Activate CB Jason Verrett From PUP List, Bring Back RB Tevin Coleman
Wednesday marked the final day the 49ers could keep Jason Verrett in designated-for-return limbo. As a result, the cornerback is back on San Francisco’s 53-man roster.
The 49ers activated the ninth-year vet from their reserve/PUP list, using the third of their injury activations to do so. Although Verrett is probably the NFL’s most injury-prone active player, he has been effective when available. Verrett’s 2020 season in San Francisco enticed the team to give the former first-rounder two additional one-year contracts. He is currently attached to a one-year deal worth just more than $1MM.
Verrett is in the final stages of recovering from his September 2021 ACL tear. Verrett’s activation seemed somewhat in doubt last week, when knee soreness, per the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch, held him out of multiple practices. Kyle Shanahan said the soreness was not related to a problem with Verrett’s fall 2021 surgery.
Considering Verrett’s past, the 49ers had planned to slow-play it with him this year. The former Chargers Pro Bowler has missed 88 games since coming into the league. This included a late-2010s span in which he played two games in three seasons. Verrett has suffered two ACL tears — one in each knee — and a torn Achilles since entering the NFL. But he made the Pro Bowl during a 14-game 2015 and excelled for the 49ers as a 13-game starter in 2020.
Emmanuel Moseley‘s season-ending ACL tear opens the door for Verrett to return to the 49ers’ lineup. That scenario is believed to be in play, despite the TCU product’s injury-marred career. It certainly cannot be assumed Verrett will stay healthy, but the 49ers’ defense has run into injury trouble at every position. Any boost the 31-year-old cover man can provide would be a bonus.
San Francisco also brought back Tevin Coleman, who was released Tuesday. Coleman is rejoining the 49ers on a practice squad deal. The 49ers changed their backfield situation last week, trading for Christian McCaffrey, but the team still has Elijah Mitchell on IR and has seen third-round rookie Tyrion Davis-Price miss time with an ankle injury.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/22
Today’s minor transactions:
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on reserve/NFI: DE Henry Anderson
- Signed off Dolphins practice squad: OT Larnel Coleman
- Signed to active roster: CB Tae Hayes
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: S C.J. Moore
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: WR Tyron Johnson
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released: WR Daurice Fountain
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: G Jeremiah Kolone
New Orleans Saints
- Released from IR: G Forrest Lamp
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: RB Zonovan Knight
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: RB Tevin Coleman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on IR: LB K.J. Britt
Tennessee Titans
- Signed off Chiefs practice squad: WR Chris Conley
- Placed on IR: WR Kyle Philips
Washington Commanders
- Signed to activer roster: CB Danny Johnson
Rams Included Cam Akers In Christian McCaffrey Proposal; Broncos, Eagles Made Offers
It took four picks for the 49ers to pry Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers. No strangers to exiting trade or free agency sweepstakes with wins, the Rams made a similar offer. It came down to a Day 3 pick for San Francisco’s proposal to win out.
The Rams offered the Panthers second- and third-round 2023 picks, along with fourth- and fifth-rounders in 2024, Albert Breer of SI.com reports. The defending Super Bowl champions also included Cam Akers in their proposal, Breer adds, but the Panthers went with the 49ers’ offer because it included a fourth-rounder in 2023 as opposed to 2024.
Last year’s Sony Michel trade stripped the Rams of their 2023 fourth-rounder; the team sent the Patriots fourth- and sixth-round picks for Michel. The Rams have their first-, second- and third-round picks in 2024, for now, but are not believed to have included any of those choices in their McCaffrey proposal. The value of the 2023 selections will come down to how the NFC West teams finish this season, but the Panthers still viewed the 49ers’ offer as more attractive.
[RELATED: Bills Did Not Make Offer For McCaffrey]
Los Angeles is still trying to move Akers, who could be a chip for the teams that missed out on McCaffrey. However, one of the teams involved in the sweepstakes moved on with a cheaper solution. The Broncos signed Marlon Mack on Monday morning, doing so in the wake of losing Mike Boone suffering an ankle injury against the Jets. Denver adding McCaffrey at this point, amid an October freefall, would have made less sense than the All-Pro back going to a 2022 contender.
Mentioned as a McCaffrey suitor, the Broncos joined the Eagles in making noncompetitive offers, Breer adds. Both teams are believed to have made offers involving third- or fourth-round picks to see if the Panthers were keen on taking a discount to move the high-priced running back. Considering what the Rams and 49ers proposed, the Broncos and Eagles’ efforts were nonstarters for the Panthers.
Midway through last season, the Eagles pivoted to a run-based attack around Jalen Hurts. The team has Miles Sanders atop its backfield depth chart, but the former second-round pick is in a contract year. Ditto Boston Scott. Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon are each signed through 2024, though neither is obviously close to McCaffrey’s level. McCaffrey would have been an interesting piece for Philly, given his passing-game prowess. The Eagles’ offense has not involved much usage for backs through the air; Sanders leads Philly’s backs with 11 catches for 42 yards this season. And it does not sound like the Eagles, who have been in many trade derbies under Howie Roseman, were too interested here.
The first team to call the Panthers on McCaffrey, the 49ers put the trade prize to work quickly. McCaffrey received 10 touches Sunday against the Chiefs, despite not going through a full practice with his new team yet. Rather than add Akers as a CMC replacement, the Panthers turned to backups D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard in Week 7. The duo combined for a staggering 208 scrimmage yards against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Foreman is on an expiring contract; Hubbard’s rookie deal runs through 2024.