49ers Trade Deadline: The Search for Edge Rushers
The San Francisco 49ers recently acquired defensive lineman Keion White, yet their pursuit of enhancing their pass rush is far from over. While White adds depth to their interior rush, the 49ers are still in need of a dynamic speed rusher on the edge to complement Bryce Huff and fill the void left by Nick Bosa. As the trade deadline approaches on November 4, here are seven edge rushers the 49ers could potentially target to bolster their defense.
Trey Hendrickson’s High Price Tag
Trey Hendrickson, currently with the Cincinnati Bengals, stands out as the premier edge rusher on the market. A first-team All-Pro last season, he has accumulated 81 career sacks—16.5 more than Bosa. However, Hendrickson’s availability comes with complications. He is in the final year of his contract and is seeking a hefty extension exceeding $35 million per season. The Bengals appear open to trading him for a first-round pick, which could be a steep price for the 49ers. Acquiring Hendrickson would not only require parting with a valuable draft asset but also committing to a financially demanding extension for a player who will turn 31 in December.
Kayvon Thibodeaux: A Struggling Talent
Kayvon Thibodeaux, drafted fifth overall by the New York Giants in 2022, has yet to live up to the lofty expectations set for him. The Giants recently added Brian Burns and Abdul Carter to their roster, further diminishing Thibodeaux’s role. While the Giants have been reluctant to trade him, a loss to the 49ers this weekend could shift their stance, especially if they find themselves with a 2-7 record. However, the asking price may still be high, potentially requiring a second-round pick, which could be more than the 49ers are willing to invest.
Jermaine Johnson: A Realistic Option
Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets presents a more attainable trade target for the 49ers. A late first-round pick in 2022, Johnson played under 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during his early career. With the Jets struggling this season, they might find it prudent to trade for future assets. Johnson is under contract through 2026, making him a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix. A trade proposal involving Ji’Ayir Brown and a fourth-round pick could be appealing for both teams, given Brown’s ties to the Jets’ defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks.
Bradley Chubb: An Injury-Prone Veteran
The Miami Dolphins may soon be in a selling mode following the recent firing of their general manager. Among their tradeable assets is Bradley Chubb, who has played all nine games this season after missing the entire previous year due to a torn ACL. Chubb has shown promise with four sacks this season, but his injury history raises concerns. The 49ers should approach any trade discussions with caution, ideally limiting their offer to a fourth-round pick.
Jaelen Phillips: The Young Gun
Jaelen Phillips, another Dolphins edge rusher, is only 26 years old and could be the best option available due to his age and potential. However, his injury history—missing 22 games over the past two seasons—casts doubt on his long-term viability. Additionally, with Phillips set to hit free agency after this season, the 49ers would need to carefully weigh the decision of whether to sign him to a lucrative extension or risk losing him altogether.
Matt Judon: A Veteran on the Decline
At 33, Matt Judon is in the final year of his contract and has yet to register a sack this season. While his past achievements include a ninth-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, his current performance raises questions about his impact on the field. The 49ers could potentially acquire Judon for a sixth-round pick, making him an affordable option. However, it remains uncertain whether he could significantly enhance their pass rush capabilities.
Arden Key: A Familiar Face
Arden Key, currently with the Tennessee Titans, is likely to be traded as they navigate a rebuilding phase. Key previously played for the 49ers in 2021, making him a familiar option. However, he primarily operates as an interior rusher, similar to White, and may not fulfill the 49ers’ need for a pure edge rusher. If the 49ers are focused on budget-friendly acquisitions, Key could be a pragmatic choice, albeit not the ideal fit for their pass-rushing strategy.
As the trade deadline looms, the 49ers face a critical decision-making period. With multiple potential targets on the table, they must evaluate both the immediate benefits and long-term implications of any trade they pursue.
