The San Francisco 49ers made a roster move Tuesday — or rather, declined to make one — that could indicate a trade for defensive line help is in the works.
With their front seven ravaged by injuries, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have consistently professed to have faith that suitable reinforcements could come from within the organization. But the pickings got even slimmer Tuesday when the Carolina Panthers signed edge rusher Trevis Gipson off San Francisco’s practice squad.
Gipson’s practice-squad elevations had been used up, meaning the 49ers needed to sign him to the active roster to keep him. They did not, despite the fact that Gipson had played in 4 games this year and was one of the 49ers’ top two edge rushers in Sunday’s loss to the Texans. That allowed the Panthers to swoop in and sign Gipson, originally a fifth-round pick with the Bears in 2020.
Panthers are signing OLB Trevis Gipson off 49ers’ practice squad, per league source.
Gipson (6-4, 263) has appeared in 4 games w/ SF this year. Had a 7-sack season in 2021 with Chicago, where he was a 5th-rd pick out of Tulsa in 2020.
Gipson has 11 sacks in 57 career games.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 28, 2025
Gipson, who had a career-high seven sacks in 2021, recorded four tackles and recovered a fumble for the 49ers this season.
The 49ers have mustered a measly 9 sacks in 8 games this season, 31st in the league. With the November 4th trade deadline looming, letting a player of value like Gipson depart could be an indication that a deal for a defensive lineman — or two — is brewing in Santa Clara.
If not? With all the injuries up front, the 49ers should consider playing their games inside a big blue tent, since they all seem to end up in one anyway.
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More San Francisco 49ers content from Sactown Sports
The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of getting some reinforcements.
As starting QB Brock Purdy (toe) and star WR Brandon Aiyuk (knee) work their way back from injuries, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan met with the media to share injury updates on both players and more as San Francisco prepares to face the New York Giants on the road on Sunday.
Here are injury updates on Purdy, Aiyuk, Mac Jones, and more, courtesy of Shanahan:
Shanahan: 49ers not opening practice window for Aiyuk yet, Purdy ‘doing better’
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
Sunday, November 2nd – @ New York Giants – 10:00 AM PT
Sunday, November 9th – vs. Los Angeles Rams – 1:25 PM PT
Sunday, November 16th – @ Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 PM PT
Monday, November 24th – vs. Carolina Panthers – 5:15 PM PT
Sunday, November 30th – @ Cleveland Browns – 10:00 AM PT
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