With the trade deadline approaching Tuesday, NFL teams will have to decide whether to buy, sell or stay. These roles are clearly defined for teams like the 7-2 Washington Commanders or the 2-6 Carolina Panthers.

But for the 4-4 San Francisco 49ers, there are three reasons for both. San Francisco could be a buyer, with some spots that could use attention — pass rush, offensive line and wide receiver, for example — and the .500 start could have the Niners looking for improvements.

The return of Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw could be viewed as a “trade” of sorts, as neither star is playing this season but is expected to return shortly after the trade deadline. There's a chance that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will see that as enough and the 49ers will stand by them.

There's also the possibility that Lynch is looking at some expiring contracts and trying to move them around for future draft picks. The name Charvarius Ward was suggested as one of these possibilities.

I don't think the 49ers should move a current talent since the team still has Super Bowl aspirations and a post about a team that is their inspiration seems boring. The 49ers should buy before Tuesday's deadline and address some needs to improve the chances of scoring the famous Shanahan rebound in the second half.

Here are some players that could help with November's inevitable turnaround, starting with some unlikely targets.

Everything at once again

Maxx Crosby, DE – Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders owner Mark Davis has said Vegas has no intention of moving Crosby, but the Raiders fell to 2-7 after a loss to the Bengals in Week 9. It's a trade that could have the same impact on the defense that the 2022 acquisition of McCaffrey had on the offense, and would make Nick Bosa a true superstar running mate on the 49ers' defensive line. However, Crosby's contract might be a bit too much for a team whose quarterback is on a rookie contract and in need of an extension soon.

Hasson Reddick, DE – New York Jets

The next best thing to Crosby. The Jets acquired Reddick — who had demanded a trade from Philadelphia for contract reasons — in April and then completely ignored his contract demands, resulting in the pass rusher lasting the first six weeks of the season. The Jets allowed Reddick to seek a trade shortly before the two sides agreed to a revised contract to end the holdout. New York probably won't try to trade before Tuesday, but if they do, the 49ers should give Reddick a try.

Trey Hendrickson, DE – Cincinnati Bengals

If Crosby or Reddick aren't available, Hendrickson would fall well into the “big buy” category for the 49ers. Like Reddick, Hendrickson had a contract dispute early in the season, but reported to camp in time for the start of the season. Hendrickson recorded four sacks Sunday against the Raiders, his 11 this season after collecting 35.5 sacks over the last three years. The Bengals got off to a slow start but have fought their way to 4-5. A few weeks ago it might have made sense to trade Hendrickson, but the Bengals are firmly in the playoff race and would likely buy players before selling.

Realistic candidates

Vom Godchaux, DT – New England Patriots

Let's look at the more plausible moves for San Francisco, starting with a name they're often associated with. Dianna Russini of The Athletic first mentioned the 49ers and Godchaux a few weeks ago and reiterated the interest on Saturday, once again linking the two. Godchaux wouldn't necessarily improve the 49ers' pass rush – 5.5 sacks in 111 career games – but would be a good addition to the run defense.

Azeez Ojulari, DE – New York Giants

With a pass rush featuring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Ojulari commands attention. With Thibodeaux sidelined due to injury, Ojulari has recorded five sacks in the four games since he became a starter. With Thibodeaux returning soon and Ojulari on an expiring contract, the Giants could look to move the fourth-year pass rusher. The 49ers' pass rush is typically very deep and Ojulari would be a solid third option behind Bosa and Leonard Floyd.

Arden Key, DE – Tennessee Titans

Key has been consistent in the two and a half seasons since leaving the 49ers, recording 14.5 sacks in the 42 games since then without missing a single game. Key revived his career in his only season with San Francisco. A reunion could be beneficial for both sides.

Chase Young, DE – New Orleans Saints

Things didn't work out so well last season, but maybe a second time is the appeal? The 49ers drafted Young out of Washington as the No. 2 pick behind Bosa, but perhaps taking him as the No. 3 pick behind Bosa and Lloyd would produce different results.

Kendrick Bourne, WR – New England Patriots

The 49ers have been interested in acquiring the wide receiver since Bourne's contract to leave San Francisco for New England dried up. While reports of the 49ers trading for a wide receiver have cooled, the 49ers' history with Bourne could lead to a move.