The San Francisco 49ers saw a revamp of their defensive line unit this offseason, signing star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but losing defensive ends Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu.
As a result, defensive end Drake Jackson has received much of the offseason spotlight, currently projecting as the starter opposite of Nick Bosa at defensive end.
Jackson, a 2022 second-round pick out of USC, was seen as a developmental candidate upon his arrival in San Francisco, primarily with his weight, which had fluctuated due to several role changes in college.
This offseason, Jackson has bulked up to 265 pounds, looking the part with his frame, but the challenge now comes to production on the field in a crucial year for the 49ers.
Should the 49ers trade for an edge rusher, given the recent rumors about several players around the league, or stick with Jackson as their starter for the 2023 season?
Danielle Hunter and Chase Young
Recent Danielle Hunter trade rumors have circled around after reports surfaced about him and the Vikings being at an impasse due to a demand for a new contract.
As a result, Hunter has held out of mandatory minicamp, which subjects him to fines up to nearly $99,000, with no apparent resolution for the time being.
Hunter is currently scheduled to have a $13.2 million cap hit in the final year of his contract, which would decrease to $5.5 million if traded to a new team.
For the Vikings, trading Hunter post-June 1st would leave them with a dead cap hit of $7.6 million in 2023, while saving $5.5 million.
For the 49ers, Hunter would provide a proven three-down option opposite of Bosa, as he's accumulated double-digit sacks in three of the past four seasons.
The question is: would the trade for Hunter be worth the capital, and, more importantly, can they afford to give him a new contract?
A move for Hunter could include quarterback Trey Lance, as Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins reportedly has informed the team that he won't be taking part in extension talks ahead of free agency next offseason.
However, it doesn't seem likely that the 49ers would provide Hunter with a contract extension, given the significant amount of money tied to the defensive line with Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead, while Nick Bosa has a hefty extension coming his way.
In the case of Chase Young, recent reports have suggested that the Commanders could be open to moving the edge rusher ahead of his final year.
The 49ers could entertain a move for Young, understanding that he isn't looking for an extension, and capitalize on his potential for one year as the starter opposite Nick Bosa.
Free Agents
The biggest caveat to trading for an edge rusher is the plethora of free agent defensive ends still available to sign, headlined by Yannick Ngakoue, who reportedly is seeking a multi-year deal.
In addition to Ngakoue, Jadaveon Clowney, Dawaune Smoot, Robert Quinn, Justin Houston, and others are available in free agency.
Is the value for a trade there when the 49ers could sign a player without giving additional trade value and a potential extension?
Hunter can be a difference maker, but the extension could make a trade unlikely.
Meanwhile, Young hasn't looked like himself due to injury over the past two seasons, making him more of a unknown commodity after his strong rookie season, although the potential is certainly there.
The other factor? San Francisco's confidence in second-year edge rusher Drake Jackson, who has been meeting the team's goals this offseason and is looking to bulk up even more.
The 49ers seem content with their current roster construction, but could benefit from an additional edge rusher to bolster their depth.
However, when juggling the need to trade pieces, potential extensions, and the emergence of Drake Jackson, it seems that a free agent signing may further their agenda this offseason in comparison to a trade.
