The 2025 season for the San Francisco 49ers was a very frustrating one. While they overcame so many injuries to go 12-5 and beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, they were left with a depleted roster that couldn't rush the passer.
On the season, the 49ers finished with just 20 sacks, three fewer than the Cleveland Browns' pass rusher Myles Garrett had on his own this season. That's unacceptable. The 49ers need to improve the edge rusher room this offseason.
With such a clear need, Matt Barrows of The Athletic called this group the biggest need for the 49ers this offseason. But, beyond simply being the top need, Barrows is urging the 49ers not leave any stone unturned in their search for help this offseason.
49ers can't leave a stone unturned during edge rusher search this offseason
"The 49ers can't leave any stone unturned when it comes to bolstering their edge rush," Barrows writes. "If Maxx Crosby wants to exit Las Vegas, they should put out a welcome mat."
There are some interesting edge rusher options likely to be available this upcoming offseason. While the NFL Draft is always a place to explore possible options, picking at the end of the first round, there might not be a clear top choice there.
That leaves Days 2 and 3 of the draft, and while adding options in those rounds wouldn't be a bad idea, the 49ers need help, and now.
Someone like Maxx Crosby, who could be on the move this offseason for a king's ransom, would be a great addition for the 49ers. But, beyond Crosby in the trade market, there aren't any players who could be had who'd be the game-changer the 49ers need.
Free agency is a different story. There are a lot of interesting names worth keeping an eye on for the 49ers this offseason in the free agent market.
More: 49ers predicted to add 77-sack former $135 million Pro Bowl pass rusher to pair with Nick Bosa
Trey Hendrickson, the All-Pro who had back-to-back seasons with 17.5 sacks, would be a great option. Khalil Mack might be at the tail-end of what could be a Hall of Fame career, but he would surely make a nice duo with Nick Bosa.
Joey Bosa would be an obvious fun addition, pairing him with his brother. Some other names worth considering for the 49ers this offseason are Haason Reddick, Arden Key, Joseph Ossai, Malcolm Koone, Denico Autry, Dre'Mont Jones, and Odafe Oweh.
There are plenty of other edge rushers who could be had this offseason in free agency. Barrows wants the 49ers to check in on every edge rusher option, whether it's in the draft, free agency, or the trade market.
The 49ers cannot be picky this offseason when it comes to edge rusher options. There are plenty of players to choose from, but the 49ers need at least one quality starter to pair with Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Bryce Huff for the 2026 season.
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