The San Francisco 49ers have made one thing clear heading into this offseason: they’re looking to beef up their pass rush. Injuries to Nick Bosa and rookie Mykel Williams exposed a lack of depth along the defensive front, and while both players bring plenty of talent when healthy, the 49ers know they need more firepower up front if they want to stay among the NFC’s elite.
Williams showed flashes in his first year, but he’s not yet the kind of disruptive force Bosa is-or the kind the Niners could potentially add via free agency or the draft. That’s why a trade might be the most intriguing path forward.
And one name being floated as a potential target? Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux, the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is an interesting fit. Still just 25, he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal thanks to the fifth-year option. That makes him a potential trade chip for the New York Giants-and a possible difference-maker for a contender like San Francisco.
While Thibodeaux didn’t light it up statistically in 2025-posting 2.5 sacks, 25 total tackles, and two passes defended in 10 games-his 2023 campaign showed what he’s capable of when healthy and in rhythm. That year, he racked up 11.5 sacks, 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and four passes defended. That kind of production is exactly what the 49ers could use opposite Bosa.
The idea here isn’t just about adding another body to the rotation. It’s about pairing Bosa with another high-upside edge rusher who can win one-on-ones and collapse the pocket consistently.
That’s something San Francisco lacked last season, especially when Bosa was banged up or facing double teams. And while the team took a swing on Bryce Huff last offseason, that move didn’t pay off.
Thibodeaux presents a different kind of opportunity-one with more upside and a higher ceiling.
Yes, the cost could be steep. A former top-five pick still on his rookie deal won’t come cheap.
But the payoff could be worth it. Imagine a healthy Bosa and a motivated Thibodeaux lining up on opposite edges, with Williams continuing to develop as an interior disruptor.
That’s the kind of defensive line that can tilt games-and seasons.
If the 49ers are serious about making another deep playoff run, fortifying the pass rush is a must. And with the right move, they could turn a current weakness into one of their biggest strengths. Keep an eye on this one.