Kansas City Chiefs trade deadline targets to improve the defense

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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 24: Azeez Al-Shaair #51 of the San Francisco 49ers eyes the quarterback during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Levi’s Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. The Colts defeated the 49ers 30-18. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

Azeez Al-Shaair

Another 49ers player who could draw some potential interest at the deadline is linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The 6’3″ 230-lb. Al-Shaair has stepped in nicely at weakside linebacker for San Francisco while starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been injured, boasting a 62.4 grade on PFF. The 2019 UDFA from Florida Atlantic racked up an impressive 395 tackles in 43 collegiate games and has proven to be a reliable run defender in his third season in the NFL.

While the Niners appreciate his production, they might not want to pay him in 2022 when he will become a restricted free agent. Selling high on his recent success in a spot role could be the right move for John Lynch.

The Chiefs have invested a couple of high draft picks on linebackers recently, selecting Willie Gay, Jr. and Nick Bolton in the second round of the last two drafts. However, a recent injury to Anthony Hitchens may force Veach’s hand into pursuing some help on the defense’s second level. Al-Shaair can play both the WILL and the SAM. One thing to keep an eye on is whether he can pass a physical before Tuesday; Al-Shaair was a late scratch for the Niners’ Halloween game because he did not pass pre-game concussion protocol.

Projected Compensation

If Al-Shaair clears concussion protocol, he could be had for a 6th round pick.

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