The San Francisco 49ers are facing a gut-wrenching reality: their Super Bowl aspirations are hanging in the balance after losing two defensive stalwarts, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, for the season. Sitting atop the NFC West at 4-2, the team’s early promise now feels fragile, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Can they still contend without their defensive anchors? And this is the part most people miss—the 49ers’ front office is quietly scrambling to fill the void, with reports suggesting they’ve been eyeing top-tier pass rushers to salvage their season.
But here’s where it gets controversial: their top target, Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, appears to be off the table. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Bengals aren’t shopping the All-Pro edge rusher, and after their recent Thursday night victory, moving him seems even less likely. This raises a bold question: Are the 49ers aiming too high, or is this a strategic misstep in a season where every move counts?
Still, San Francisco isn’t short on options. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has highlighted several pass rushers the 49ers could pursue, including Miami’s Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, New York’s Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV, and Tennessee’s Arden Key. The Dolphins, in particular, seem open to dealing, with Russini noting they’ve been fielding calls for both Phillips and Chubb. Given Miami’s mid-season struggles, a trade feels almost inevitable—but will the 49ers outbid other contenders?
What’s fascinating is the potential reunion with familiar faces. Johnson and McDonald, both drafted under the Jets’ previous regime, have worked with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Johnson, when healthy, has been the standout performer, but could the 0-6 Jets be coaxed into accepting more draft capital? Meanwhile, Arden Key, suggested by former 49ers executive Ran Carthon, offers versatility at a potentially lower cost—a pragmatic move for a team in win-now mode.
However, the 49ers aren’t the only ones hunting for defensive upgrades. The Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Colts, Raiders, Jaguars, and Cowboys are all in the mix, creating a competitive market. Philadelphia’s need for a pass rusher post-Zadarius Smith’s retirement is clear, but their cornerback woes might take priority. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a history of bold moves, and the Lions could pair a new edge rusher with Aidan Hutchinson to dominate up front.
So, where does this leave the 49ers? They’re clearly committed to exploring the market, but with competition fierce and their top target likely staying put, they’ll need to act fast and decisively. Will they land a game-changer, or will their season hinge on internal solutions? Let’s spark a debate: Is pursuing a high-profile pass rusher the right move, or should the 49ers focus on developing their current roster and preserving draft capital? Share your thoughts below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
