San Francisco must turn to its young talent and explore trade options after losing its defensive anchor.
Nick Bosa is out for the entire season after an MRI on Monday morning confirmed the knee injury he suffered in the 49ers’ win over the Cardinals was a torn ACL. The diagnosis rules him out for the year as he will require season-ending surgery.
The 49ers have lost one of their premier players on defense. The 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is considered among the league’s elite pass rushers. Even through just the first three games, his presence has been vital. In Week 1, he forced the game-winning fumble as the Seahawks drove for a potential victory. Against Arizona, he forced another fumble that the Cardinals recovered.
Bosa’s impact cannot be replaced by a single player—whether already on the roster or acquired via trade. As head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged, it will have to be a committee effort.
Rookies and Role Players Must Step Up
The 49ers drafted Mykel Williams with the No. 11 overall pick in the first round, but so far he has shown more promise as an elite run defender than as a premier pass rusher. His development as a pass rusher needs to take the next step to help compensate for this loss.
Alongside him is Bryce Huff, who has already made an impact this season lining up with Bosa. Huff has been especially effective on obvious passing downs, with his explosiveness on full display when he recorded the game-winning strip-sack against the Saints in Week 2. He will play a key role in helping to stabilize the defense.
Still, the 49ers should monitor the market for additional pass-rush depth. With the team off to a 3-0 start, it is more likely to be a buyer than a seller heading into the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Potential Trade Deadline Targets
Trey Hendrickson:
This option seems unlikely given his price tag. Hendrickson, like Bosa, is in a tier of elite pass rushers. He held out this past offseason before agreeing to an increased salary for 2025. Of all potential trade candidates, he would be the most capable of filling Bosa’s shoes.
The challenge for San Francisco is whether it would be willing to give up significant assets for a player who may only be a rental. With Bosa expected back next year, and his massive contract extension looming, a Hendrickson move would likely mirror last season’s Chase Young trade—a short-term boost before the player hits the open market.
However, if the Bengals continue to slide as they did Sunday, and with Joe Burrow out for three months, Cincinnati could enter seller mode. If that happens, the door might open for Hendrickson.
Bradley Chubb:
Chubb has had a solid start to the year, recording a sack in each of Miami’s first three games. What makes this scenario intriguing is his contract structure. Although Chubb is signed through 2027, all money after this season is non-guaranteed, meaning the 49ers could cut ties at no cost if they acquire him.
With the Dolphins sitting at 0-3 and dealing with organizational turmoil, they could decide to move veterans at the deadline. Chubb would be a logical trade piece, along with Tyreek Hill. For the 49ers, this could be a viable short-term play.
Arden Key:
Key offers versatility across the defensive line and is familiar with San Francisco, having enjoyed his best season with the team in 2021 after Bosa’s previous ACL tear. Key provides value as both a pass rusher and run defender, and could rotate effectively with Williams.
He would not be an expensive addition in terms of trade compensation, and with the Titans also sitting at 0-3, he could become available at the deadline.
A Pivotal Stretch Ahead
The loss of Nick Bosa forces San Francisco to reshape its defensive approach. While Williams and Huff must take on greater responsibility, the 49ers may ultimately need outside reinforcements to keep their Super Bowl aspirations intact.
Whether through internal development or a bold move at the deadline, the 49ers’ ability to withstand this setback will define their season.
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