49ers Face Urgent Pass Rush Challenges Ahead NFL Trade Deadline

The San Francisco 49ers face a critical need to improve their pass rush ahead of the NFL trade deadline due to the loss of star defensive end Nick Bosa and a significant decline in sacks this season. Despite maintaining a 5-3 record, their defense has struggled, allowing high yardage and few quarterback sacks, ranking among the worst in the league. The Titans, in a fire sale, have defensive end Arden Key available, who could be a cost-effective solution for the 49ers given his familiarity with their defensive scheme and reasonable cap hit. However, experts debate whether acquiring a single pass rusher will sufficiently address the broader defensive issues, as the team has also lost other key defenders like Fred Warner. The 49ers must weigh the decision of pushing for a playoff run by trading assets for immediate help or starting to rebuild for the future. This dilemma highlights the complexity of their situation, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster management.