Pro Football Rumors
In the wake of Nick Bosa‘s ACL tear, the 49ers have become a team to watch regarding an edge rush addition. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday San Francisco is open to making a move on the trade market, but nothing is imminent at this point.
“Of course, we’re always looking. Prior to Nick getting hurt — that’s our job, is to look at the market and see who might become available,” general manager John Lynch said during a Thursday appearance on KNBR (via Will Simonds of NBC Sports Bay Area). “We’re not afraid, and we’ve been effective in doing that. This is no different.”
Indeed, the 49ers have not been shy about pulling off midseason moves under Lynch and Shanahan. The Christian McCaffrey deal in 2022 is the most notable of those, but San Francisco has also brought in the likes of Jordan Willis, Charles Omenihu, Chase Young and Randy Gregory over the years. Each of those acquisitions were aimed at adding depth at the defensive end spot.
“I think we’re all aware — finding someone who just goes and does what Nick Bosa does — that’s not very feasible,” Lynch continued. “We’ll see what’s out there at the appropriate time, but right now, we’re going to rely on the guys we have, and we believe in our group.”
Based on those comments, incumbents Mykel Williams, Yetur Gross-Matos and Bryce Huff are in line to continue handling the bulk of the workload along the edge. The 49ers rank third in scoring defense early in the campaign but they have totaled just five sacks across three games. The team’s expected productivity across the remainder of the season in that regard has obviously been dealt a major blow with Bosa out of the picture.
It would thus come as little surprise if another rental move along the edge were to take place. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes it can be safely expected a trade of some kind will be worked out before the deadline. It would be understandable, though, if a brief evaluation period of the team’s in-house options were to take place before Lynch and Co. proceeded with an acquisition.
