The San Francisco 49ers are in a tricky situation as they approach Week 7 with a 4-2 record. The team suffered a setback with star linebacker Fred Warner's season-ending ankle injury, joining an already depleted defense that lost pass rusher Nick Bosa to an ACL tear earlier in the year. These injuries have sparked a debate: should the 49ers continue their winning streak or focus on rebuilding through trades? CBS Sports analyst Jonathan Jones believes they should be buyers, emphasizing the need for edge rushers after Warner's injury. He highlights the competition for these players, including teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, and stresses the importance of finding a suitable replacement for Warner's unique skills. Jones suggests that the 49ers should act quickly to secure an edge rusher, as the market for such players is competitive and limited.
Adding to the discussion, former 49ers executive Ron Carthon mentions Arden Key, an outside linebacker/edge rusher for the Tennessee Titans, as a potential trade candidate. Key's versatility, having excelled both as an edge rusher and an inside rusher, makes him an attractive option for the 49ers. This is especially relevant given the team's need to develop Mykel Williams, another defensive player. The 49ers' interest in edge rushers was further confirmed by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, indicating a potential trade in the near future. With Key's expiring contract and the team's need for depth, a trade could be a strategic move without requiring significant draft capital.
