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Analyst Suggests 49ers Are a Fit for Underrated AFC Edge Rusher
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- Analyst Suggests 49ers Are a Fit for Underrated AFC Edge Rusher
Even after acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers could end up making at least one more trade before the NFL's Nov. 10 trade deadline. While they could use another threat at the wide receiver position, many feel they have an even bigger need for a proven edge rusher.
Nick Bosa has always been a force, but he is injury-prone and is currently out with a calf injury. This is the second straight year he has missed a considerable amount of time due to injury, and there are now some real concerns about his durability moving forward.
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Landing a young, potent defensive end would greatly help the Niners both this season and for seasons to come. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com reported that one player who fits that description — Will McDonald IV of the New York Jets — could be on the move and named the 49ers as a fit for McDonald.
The right target?
"The former first-rounder's snaps have been reduced with No. 2 overall pick David Bailey coming on board as the team's new designated pass rusher," Brooks wrote. "With the rookie stepping in as the featured playmaker on the front line, McDonald has been relegated to a complementary role that could make him an enticing option on the trade market. The 6-4, 245-pounder has flashed disruptive potential with 23.5 career sacks and four forced fumbles in 54 games, but a surplus of pass rushers on the roster could prompt GM Darren Mougey to trade him away for draft capital to help in the rebuild. Although such a move might lead to some quizzical looks, the desire to stockpile the war chest with picks could make it sensible enough for the Jets' decision-makers to pull the trigger."
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McDonald's snap count is down this season, and through seven games, he has three sacks, five quarterback hits and two tackles for loss. Last season, he registered eight sacks, 19 QB hits and 10 tackles for loss.
He was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa State University, where he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors three straight years and was the Big 12 co-Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2021. The Jets now have a 2-6 record, which makes one wonder if they will be big sellers as the trade deadline approaches.
McDonald would likely be less expensive than Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, the one star pass rusher whom Niners fans have been dreaming of lately. He's also younger than Crosby at 27 years of age, which means he could be a member of San Francisco's core for years to come.
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San Francisco is currently tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC's best record at 6-1, but its core is up there in age. General manager John Lynch has a documented history of being aggressive in seeking midseason trades, and now that his team appears to have a real shot at winning it all, he could possibly do all it takes to secure another upgrade.
The Niners reportedly had a trade agreement in place with the Vikings that would've brought wide receiver Jauan Jennings back to town, but Jennings made it clear that he wants to stay in Minnesota.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
