The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET, and the San Francisco 49ers can't afford to not make a move.
Especially when it comes to the defensive line.
Not only is the team's best pass-rusher, Nick Bosa, out for the season with a torn ACL. But now, first-rounder Mykel Williams is also done for the year with the same injury. Add the fact that linebacker Fred Warner is also done for the year with a serioius ankle injury, and the Niners need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball.
Which is more reason as to why they need to keep making moves for pass-rushers. It's what's helped them in their early success at the start of the season. Plus, it's what drives coordinator Robert Saleh's defense further, knowing it can get the quarterback on any down.
3 pass-rushers 49ers must go after at NFL trade deadline
No. 1: Arden Key (Titans)
Starting with a familiar face, Arden Key would be a great addition back to the Niners. Once Key got to be in San Francisco's defense, it was a huge turning point in his career. Before joining the 49ers, he had only three sacks through his first three seasons. Then, he joined San Francisco in 2021 and more than doubled his career total at that point in one season (6.5).
He's continued that same success with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans as a reliable pass-rusher (18.5 combined sacks with both teams). Plus he's improved his play as a run defender since his time in San Francisco, something the 49ers willd sorely miss if Williams is done for the year.
Plus, it would likely be the most affordable move on this list.
No. 2: Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants)
It's time for the Niners to take a chance on another young player still on a rookie deal. Kayvon Thibodeaux is someone the 49ers should consider trading a high-round draft pick for the short term.
The New York Giants are a team that's already stacked to the brim with D-line talent across the board. Brian Burns is still producing at a high level, Dexter Lawrence is arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the game, and Abdul Carter is having a great rookie season. Now, Thibodeaux would cost a good amount. A first-round pick isn't too far off from the asking price. But, he's still young and is on the final year of his rookie deal before the team option kicks in.
Not only would Thibodeaux likely become the premier pass-rusher by default for the 49ers, but he would also be one of their best run defenders, too. His Pro Football Focus run-defense grade is a strong 83.1, which is ahead of anyone else who is healthy in the front seven.
No. 3: Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
If there is one high-level pass-rushing trade that could happen—and should happen before tomorrow's deadline—it's the Niners trading for Trey Hendrickson. The price might actually cost more than one first-round pick. But at the rate the 49ers defenders are dropping, it might be time for a move that would keep them in contention on the defensive side of the ball.
Hendrickson was last season's sack leader with 17.5. And even this season, he's already on pace to have his third straight season with a PFF pass-rushing grade of 90.0 or better. He is also on a one-year deal where it wouldn't hurt San Francisco to have him for a possible Super Bowl before cutting bait when it gets back Bosa and Williams in 2026.
This is the type of trade that helps a team not only stay in contention, but get to the Super Bowl and win it.
If the 49ers know what's best for them, they make the trade and deal with the lack of first-round picks for the next two years.