After enduring their fourth straight loss against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7, it has become apparent that the San Francisco 49ers are in need of some roster upgrades and a new game plan. Even as coach Kyle Shanahan continues to search for ways to improve the team and implement a new strategy, the Niners have continued to struggle and be burdened by the injury bug.

With the NFL trade deadline soon upon us, the Niners will have some interesting choices to make that could alter the outcome of their season, especially with their four-game losing streak putting them in a tie for last place in the NFC West.

As they desperately seek redemption from last season and aim to make a deep playoff run this season, let's take a look at the two best trades the Niners must make ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

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San Francisco 49ers Trades

Trade for Cordarrelle Patterson 

Now that the Atlanta Falcons look like they're headed for a full-on rebuild, it only seems fitting that Patterson finish out his career playing with a team that's better positioned to compete for a title. On the 49ers, he would give them a ton of relief at the running back spot, especially with the injury-plagued backfield they've had to deal with all season.

Eli Mitchell gave the Niners a ton of production in the rushing game against the Colts. Outside of him though, they couldn't establish much of a running game and they definitely could use some help there. The addition of Patterson would give them a well-rounded veteran, who could help move the chains and diversify their offensive game plan.

With the 49ers' injury-riddled backfield, trading for Patterson would be a perfect move for them to make.

Trade for Xavien Howard 

Currently stuck in a losing situation with the Miami Dolphins, Xavien Howard could be a huge difference-maker on a defensive unit that's in need of elite playmaking in their secondary. With the Dolphins unlikely to make the NFL Playoffs this season and seemingly getting worse each week, Howard may be better off playing for a team that has a higher chance of making the postseason.

Adding Howard to San Fran's secondary would give them a Pro Bowl-caliber talent who is able to wreak all kinds of havoc playing alongside Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, and Emmanuel Moseley. Now that they've hit a bit of a skid, the 49ers could definitely use an upgrade at the cornerback spot. A player with Howard's talents would definitely shine in San Fran's defensive schemes, which would allow him to shut down some of the premier receivers in the NFL on a weekly basis.

If the 49ers want to inject new life into their defense and save their season, then they should strongly consider these two moves ahead of the NFL trade deadline. If one thing's true about the Niners, it's that they could use all the help they can get, and tinkering with the roster would certainly give their secondary a boost.