49ers, Buccaneers Consider Trading for 24-Year-Old Impact Edge Rusher
The San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering potential trades to strengthen their defensive line. Both teams are currently facing challenges with their edge rushers.
Current Edge Rusher Challenges
The 49ers are struggling with injuries; Nick Bosa is out for the season due to a torn ACL. Additionally, Bryce Huff is sidelined with an injury that will keep him out for several weeks. As a result, San Francisco has recorded the third-fewest sacks in the NFL so far in Week 8.
On the other hand, the Buccaneers have had a more solid pass rush, accumulating 20 sacks, ranking sixth in the league. However, their key edge rusher, Haason Reddick, is also facing injury concerns that may affect his availability for Week 8.
Potential Trade Targets
Given the current situations, analysts are pointing towards possible trade candidates. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report has identified New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as a player to watch. The 24-year-old is under contract until 2026, making him an attractive long-term asset for teams in need.
Thibodeaux’s Performance
Thibodeaux has shown promise as an impact player. In the current season, he has tallied 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits. His previous season echoed this potential, with 5.5 sacks in just 12 games. In 2021, he achieved an impressive 11.5 sacks over a full 17-game schedule.
Giants’ Roster Considerations
Despite his potential, Thibodeaux’s future with the Giants is uncertain. The Giants have heavily invested in other edge rushers, including Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. This might make Thibodeaux expendable, although the team may be reluctant to trade away a former fifth overall pick.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are under pressure to maintain their best players to secure their positions. While trading Thibodeaux could provide valuable draft capital, it could also compromise the team’s competitiveness for the rest of the season.
Suitors for Thibodeaux
If Thibodeaux becomes available, both the 49ers and Buccaneers are expected to express interest. The 49ers have already shown willingness to enhance their defensive lineup, previously inquiring about Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Thibodeaux, though not as significant a move, would certainly enhance the 49ers’ defense, particularly alongside Bosa in the seasons to come.
Similarly, the Buccaneers would benefit from a partnership between Thibodeaux and Reddick, strengthening their overall defensive efforts and enhancing their chances of making a deeper playoff run.
Conclusion
The 49ers and Buccaneers are both in the market for a robust edge rusher. Kayvon Thibodeaux could be the answer for either team, bringing vitality and skill to their defenses while ensuring long-term utility as a key player.
