49ers Urged to Bolster Pass Rush with Bold Trade

The San Francisco 49ers seemingly had a one-track mind to start the 2025 NFL Draft. Their first five picks all supplemented the defensive side, starting with Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall. 

General manager John Lynch helped execute a pretty clear vision here: help returning defensive coorindator Robert Saleh reconstruct this unit with his vision. Both Lynch and Saleh have defensive backgrounds, so there is an understanding that the Niners want improved results in this area next season. 

The good news? Saleh returns to the post he held several years ago with foundational veteran pieces that give him a high floor to start on with this group. Both Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are undeniably valuable assets operating at peak performance. 

But the downside here rests in the influx of youth to this group. With youth brings inexperience, so there is an expected learning curve for the players heading into their rookie seasons. 

However, a new trade proposal has San Francisco alleviating those concerns with a veteran acquisition for their pass rush. Bleacher Report's Alex Kay believes the Niners should trade for Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. 

"There has been a clear need in the Bay Area to assist superstar Nick Bosa in the defensive trenches. The team didn't shy away from addressing that issue during the 2025 draft—utilizing a first-round pick to nab edge-rusher Mykel Williams.

"But San Francisco could use more veterans in the mix to build out the type of deep, talented pass-rushing rotation that propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl last season."

Specifically at the linebacker spot the Niners have gotten much younger after Dre Greenlaw left in free agency. Alongside Warner, the Niners could be relying on rookie Nick Martin and two-year player Dee Winters. 

Both players bring a different skillset to the table, but Clowney does have the experience that many players on this defense including Winters and Martin lack. 

Now, does that mean they should move on Clowney? The Niners are looking to compete this season, but these expected growing pains come with the expected payoff of their benefitting from learning in this environment. 

But if the opportunity strikes, Clowney is worth exploring and his experience could bring some value to this Niners' defense recalibrating for another run.