49ers Reportedly Pursue Saints DE Carl Granderson Amid Bosa Injury

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a significant defensive challenge after star edge rusher Nick Bosa suffered a season-ending torn ACL, leaving the team with one of the lowest sack totals and pressure rates in the NFL. To address this, trade proposals have surfaced suggesting the 49ers acquire New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson, who has been a steady presence and is under contract through 2027, offering a potentially impactful and financially manageable solution. However, the Saints, struggling with a 0-4 start and in a rebuilding phase, may be reluctant to part with Granderson despite the appeal of acquiring mid-round draft picks due to their lack of depth and reliance on veteran players. Additionally, the New York Giants, reeling from their own loss of wide receiver Malik Nabers to a torn ACL, have been linked to Saints wide receiver Chris Olave as a possible trade target to bolster their offense, although such a deal seems unlikely given the Giants’ current status and the Saints’ valuation of Olave. Meanwhile, the Saints could explore moving defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd to the Green Bay Packers to gain draft capital, as the Packers need to bolster their defensive line following injuries and trades. These potential trades highlight the Saints' probable role as sellers ahead of the NFL trade deadline amid their ongoing rebuild, while teams like the 49ers and Packers seek immediate defensive reinforcements.