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The San Francisco 49ers’ trade for defensive tackle Khalil Davis wasn’t the high-profile acquisition some fans had hoped for—or had come to expect based on recent years’ blockbuster moves. However, it adds valuable depth to a defensive front heavily impacted by injuries this season.
The 49ers will be without defensive tackle Javon Hargrave for the rest of the regular season due to a triceps injury. On Wednesday, the team opened the practice window for defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, aiming to strengthen its rotation.
While Davis may not become a significant contributor this season, his addition helps bolster the line’s depth for the crucial remaining stretch of games.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra graded all trade deadline moves and awarded the 49ers’ acquisition of Davis a C+.
“The Niners beefed up their interior defensive line by adding Davis to the rotation,” Patra explained. “The 28-year-old has netted one sack, 11 QB pressures and seven stops on 164 snaps in 2024, per Next Gen Stats. With Javon Hargrave on injured reserve, San Francisco needed aid, particularly against the run, where it has struggled this season. Davis isn’t a game-tilter but gives the Niners depth for a low cost.”
Through nine games with the Texans, Davis registered nine tackles (including four for a loss), two quarterback hits, and a sack, playing 32 percent of the defensive snaps before being traded to the 49ers for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
“Given the compensation, Davis could have been a cut candidate for Houston,” Patra added. “The Texans are slated to get Mario Edwards Jr. back from suspension after Week 10, so moving Davis frees up a spot. Davis, a sixth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2020, played 18 snaps or fewer in six of nine games this season. If he were indeed a cut candidate, Houston was wise to get a pick for him.”
