The San Francisco 49ers made headlines for what they didn't do on November 4th, standing pat at the trade deadline despite having glaring defensive needs after losing Pro Bowl edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner to season-ending ACL injuries . While general manager John Lynch's decision to stay silent raised eyebrows around the league, the reality is that San Francisco's path to a third consecutive NFC Championship run doesn't end at the deadline. Instead, the Niners must make one critical signing before the end of the regular season: cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

The 49ers defense has been decimated by injuries this season, but the pass coverage unit remains their most vulnerable gap heading into the stretch run. With cornerback depth already tested by injuries to role

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