The San Francisco 49ers are heading into this offseason with a clear to-do list-and right at the top are two glaring needs: bolstering the edge rush and deepening the wide receiver group. After a season that fell short of expectations, the Niners are looking to reload, not rebuild.
And while hiring Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator is a strong start, a scheme can only do so much without the right personnel. The front office knows that if this defense is going to return to elite form, it starts with putting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Let’s talk numbers for a second-because they matter here. San Francisco finished dead last in the NFL in sacks last season, registering just 20.
That’s not just bad; it’s alarming for a team with championship aspirations. Yes, injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams-both going down with ACL tears-played a role, but the lack of depth and disruption on the edge was evident even before those setbacks.
The 49ers need more firepower up front, plain and simple.
So who could help get them back to their quarterback-hunting ways? There are three big names that make a whole lot of sense-each with their own challenges, but all capable of transforming this defense into a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Maxx Crosby
Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ pass rush, but the vibe between him and the organization seems to be shifting.
He’s been loyal to Las Vegas through some turbulent times, but even loyalty has its limits. With the Raiders in flux, this could be the right moment for a change of scenery-and the Bay Area might just be calling.
Crosby racked up 10 sacks last season and has been a Pro Bowler five years running. He’s got the motor, the production, and the edge (pun intended) that the 49ers desperately need.
He also started his NFL journey in Oakland, so a return to Northern California wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory. If he hits the market-or becomes available via trade-San Francisco should be at the front of the line.
Myles Garrett
Now, if we’re talking about dream scenarios, Myles Garrett is at the top of the list.
The reigning sack king broke the single-season record in 2025 with 23-yes, 23-sacks. That’s not just dominance; that’s rewriting the history books.
Garrett is a game-wrecker in every sense of the word, and pairing him with a healthy Nick Bosa would give the 49ers arguably the most terrifying edge duo in the league.
Of course, prying Garrett away from Cleveland would take a massive haul. The Browns would be reluctant to move a generational talent, and rightfully so.
But if there’s even a crack in that door, San Francisco should be ready to kick it open. You don’t get many chances to land a player like this-and if the Niners are serious about winning now, this is the kind of swing worth taking.
Trey Hendrickson
If Crosby and Garrett are the headline-grabbers, Trey Hendrickson is the underrated option that could still pay huge dividends.
The Bengals’ pass rusher battled injuries last season and was limited to just four sacks in seven games, but his previous two seasons tell the real story: 17.5 sacks in both 2023 and 2024. When healthy, Hendrickson is a top-tier edge threat.
The 49ers were linked to him after Bosa’s injury last year, and that interest could easily be rekindled. Unlike Crosby or Garrett, landing Hendrickson would likely be more about financial flexibility than draft capital.
That said, it won’t be cheap. He’s still one of the league’s premier pass rushers when at full strength, and the Bengals know what they have.
Bottom line: if the 49ers want to get back to being a dominant defense, they need to make a splash on the edge. Whether it’s a blockbuster move for Garrett, a reunion with Crosby, or a calculated investment in Hendrickson, San Francisco can’t afford to stand pat.
The NFC is loaded with elite quarterbacks, and the best way to beat them is to make them uncomfortable. The 49ers have the foundation.
Now it’s time to add the finishing pieces.