49ers Trade Down in 2026 NFL Draft: Shanahan Calls Move a ‘Huge Success’ as Lynch Explains Board-Driven Decision and Top Targets Emerge

The San Francisco 49ers executed a pair of trade-downs during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, moving from the 27th overall pick to the 33rd selection while acquiring additional draft capital.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the trades after the first round concluded, explaining that the players they had targeted were no longer available when the clock reached their original position.

Trade Details and Rationale

The 49ers first traded with the Miami Dolphins, sending their 27th pick and a 2026 fourth-round selection (No. 138) in exchange for the Dolphins’ 30th pick and a 2026 third-round selection (No. 90). Later in the round, they traded the 30th pick to the New York Jets for the Jets’ 33rd pick and a 2026 fifth-round selection (No. 179).

Coach and GM Commentary

Shanahan described the outcome as a “huge success,” noting that the players the team would have selected at the 30th pick were still available when they moved to 33. Lynch emphasized that the decision was driven by how the draft board unfolded, stating there were several players the 49ers would have taken had they remained on the board at 27, but those players were selected earlier.

Draft Context and Implications

This marks the third time in the last four drafts that the 49ers did not make a first-round selection, having previously traded away their 2022 and 2023 first-round picks to move up for quarterback Trey Lance in 2021. By trading down twice, the 49ers retained a late first-round pick while adding a third-round and a fifth-round selection, increasing their flexibility for Day 2 of the draft.