Could 49ers target Giants edge-rusher to replace injured Nick Bosa?

Top-tier names such as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson would provide the 49ers defense a supplemental elite edge-rusher in Bosa’s absence. However, a deal of that nature is likely off the table due to the capital it would cost to acquire Hendrickson and San Francisco’s offseason cost-cutting. Look no further than its league-leading $99.1M dead-cap hit this season, according to Spotrac.

San Francisco likely wants to remain relatively cheap and continue its trend of getting younger. One potential trade candidate who fits the mold is New York Giants  edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Could San Francisco 49ers acquire Kayvon Thibodeaux from New York Giants?

Thibodeaux, a 2022 first-round pick, is thriving in 2025. Through three games, the 24-year-old has a stellar 77.5 run-defense grade by Pro Football Focus, as well as 12 pressures and two sacks. However, his most impressive stat is his 12.5% pass rush win-rate — 20th among edge-rushers with at least 80 pass-rushing opportunities, per Pro Football Focus.

But would the Giants trade him?

Right now, New York is 0-3 and turning to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to salvage its season. Yet, over the next five weeks, it plays the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles twice, making the odds slim that New York is above .500 at the trade deadline. 

The results could also lead to the firing of head coach Brian Daboll and a fire sale to provide the next regime the necessary cap space and draft picks to turn things around.

If so, trading Thibodeaux is a feasible scenario, especially after using the second-overall pick in the 2025 draft on Abdul Carter. The asking price will be high with Thibodeaux under contract through the 2026 season.

Although his $14M cap hit in 2026 sounds pricey, the Niners could be more willing to pay a hefty price because he is not a rental option. They can also sign Thibodeaux to a contract extension to lessen his future cap hit.

Replacing Bosa is impossible, but acquiring Thibodeaux not only keeps the 49ers' Super Bowl window open in 2025 but could extend it into the future.